In a concerted effort to fortify child protection measures, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has pioneered the development of two pivotal portals: the Track Child Portal and the GHAR – GO Home and Re-Unite Portal. These platforms play a crucial role in tracking missing and found children, enhancing restoration and repatriation processes, and safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable minors under the purview of the Juvenile Justice system.
Track Child Portal: Streamlining Child Tracking
- The Track Child Portal, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, serves as a centralized hub for tracking missing and found children nationwide.
- Developed in collaboration with stakeholders such as the Ministry of Home Affairs, CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking & Network Systems), and various State Governments/UT Administrations, this platform empowers authorities and citizens alike to monitor the whereabouts of missing children effectively.
Key Features and Implementation
- Integration with CCTNS: Seamlessly integrated with the CCTNS, the Track Child Portal enables real-time matching of FIRs with the database to expedite the tracing of missing children.
- Standard Operating Procedures: Robust SOPs ensure uniformity and efficiency in utilizing the Track Child Portal across all states and Union Territories.
- Citizen Engagement: Through the “Khoya-Paya” feature, citizens are encouraged to report sightings or information about missing children, fostering community involvement in child protection efforts.
GHAR Portal: Facilitating Restoration and Repatriation
- Complementing the Track Child Portal, the GHAR – GO Home and Re-Unite Portal is a digital platform designed to facilitate the restoration and repatriation of children in accordance with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
Salient Features
- Digital Monitoring: GHAR enables the digital tracking and monitoring of children within the Juvenile Justice system, ensuring their timely restoration or repatriation.
- Efficient Case Management: The portal facilitates the seamless transfer of cases to the relevant Juvenile Justice Boards or Child Welfare Committees, expediting the repatriation process.
- Support Mechanisms: GHAR allows for requests for translators, interpreters, or experts as needed, ensuring effective communication and support for children during the repatriation process.
- Comprehensive Checklist: A checklist format embedded within the portal aids in identifying children facing challenges in repatriation or lacking entitled compensation or benefits.
- Scheme Linkage: GHAR provides access to government-implemented schemes to strengthen family ties and support the well-being of repatriated children.
Empowering Stakeholders and Promoting Accountability
- To maximize the impact of these initiatives, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) conducts extensive awareness campaigns and training programs for stakeholders across the nation.
- By fostering stakeholder engagement and promoting accountability, these initiatives strive to ensure the effective utilization of the Track Child and GHAR Portals in safeguarding the rights and well-being of children, particularly in regions like the North Eastern States.
Important questions related to exams
1. What is the primary purpose of the Track Child Portal?
2. Who developed the GHAR – GO Home and Re-Unite Portal?
3. What does CCTNS stand for in the context of child protection?
Kindly comment your answers!!!