Social Media Aids Child Rights Body

Just two days before the Class 10 examinations, commission members received information about a minor girl being prepared for marriage in Nalgonda district. Local officials were alerted immediately, and the child marriage was stopped in time.

Commission member G. Saritha said public response through social media has grown significantly due to active field inspections and quick interventions. “The contact details shared on our social media handles help people approach us directly. The inspection videos we post also build confidence among the public that we will personally visit and address the issues,” she said.

She explained that commission members have divided districts among themselves for quicker response. Complaints regarding Anganwadi centres, including improper cooking practices in hostels and irregularities in ration distribution, are frequently received. “When complaints are received, we visit locations without prior intimation. In many cases, the complaints turn out to be true. We inspect kitchens, verify expiry dates of food items and warn the staff concerned,” Saritha said.

According to commission members, the highest number of complaints relate to child marriages and child labour. Saritha noted that migration has led to a rise in child labour, especially among families working in brick kiln units. “Both parents work at brick godowns and children are left without access to education. Earlier, worksite schools were maintained at such locations, with teachers who understood the language of migrant families. These schools provided basic education to children, but most no longer exist,” she said.

The commission has now proposed reviving worksite schools for migrant children, with implementation expected soon.

In Jawaharnagar, one of Hyderabad’s largest slum areas, the commission identified the need for educational support. In collaboration with NGO Sankalp, a summer camp was launched to provide basic education through playful learning methods. The camp also educates adolescent girls on the importance of schooling, menstrual hygiene and computer skills.

Members said strict follow‑up monitoring is being carried out in cases of child labour and child marriages to ensure long‑term impact.

Among recent interventions was facilitating RTC bus services for students travelling from Chengicherla to Rampally and from Kareemguda to Rampally, following advice from Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. The move brought relief to several students and teachers facing transport difficulties.