Over 300 Participants Trained to Promote Sensitivity and Awareness Towards Child Protection
Lucknow— A significant training workshop focused on child-friendly policing was held at the auditorium of the Police Headquarters in Lucknow. The workshop brought together 250 traffic police personnel and 50 frontline women workers, aiming to sensitize and empower them with the skills and knowledge necessary to ensure child protection and welfare in the field.
Organized under the “Nanhe Parinde” initiative, the workshop is a collaborative effort between the Lucknow Police Commissionerate, Chetna NGO, and the HCL Foundation. The program is being conducted under the guidance of the Police Commissioner and the direct supervision of DCP (Traffic) Kamlesh Kumar Dixit.
The workshop saw active participation from representatives of the Chief Medical Officer’s office, traffic police officials, media personnel, and child rights experts, all of whom engaged in detailed discussions on child protection policies and standard procedures. The session was led by Sanjay Gupta, Director of Chetna and the chief training coordinator for the initiative.
A highlight of the event was a special demonstration of the Nanhe Parinde mobile van, which serves as a support unit for children in distress. A few children also participated in the session and shared their personal stories, providing firsthand insight into their experiences with the system.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Jyoti Kamle, Deputy CMO of the District Hospital, emphasized the importance of following proper protocol when dealing with children who are victims of rape or abuse. She also conducted a training session for police personnel on the use of rape kits, ensuring the correct collection of evidence and appropriate care for victims.
DCP Traffic Kamlesh Kumar Dixit acknowledged the critical role traffic police play in spotting and helping vulnerable children, including those begging at signals or facing abuse. He said that this workshop helped clarify the responsibilities of various departments and will lead to better coordination and effective response on the ground.
Pathikrit Chakraborty, a reporter from The Times of India, highlighted the indispensable role media plays in child protection. “The recognition by courts and governments underscores the media’s importance in bringing child rights issues to the forefront, thus increasing awareness and pushing for action,” he noted.
Joint Commissioner of Police Babl00 Kumar reiterated the police force’s responsibility to protect every child’s rights. He stressed that such training not only informs officers about new laws but also nurtures empathy and cooperation in their interactions with children. “This will help foster stronger bonds between the police and children and enhance safety and welfare mechanisms,” he said.
Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Director of the HCL Foundation, expressed pride in the initiative, saying, “At HCL Foundation, we believe every child deserves care, protection, and opportunities for growth. Our partnership with the police in Chennai, Noida, and now Lucknow is a step towards creating safer, more inspiring environments for children. Nanhe Parinde is a strong stride in that direction.”
Concluding the session, Sanjay Gupta of Chetna noted that police officers are often the first state representatives children in crisis come into contact with. “It’s vital they are equipped with the right knowledge and sensitivity. This training aims to empower them at every level—emotionally, mentally, and procedurally,” he stated.
The workshop marks a significant step toward fostering a police force that is more child-centric, compassionate, and proactive in ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for every child in Uttar Pradesh.
