Durg, Chhattisgarh | The District Administration of Durg, under the guidance of District Collector Abhijeet Singh, organized a District-Level Convergence Meeting to develop a joint action plan aimed at improving the rehabilitation, protection, and social reintegration of children in conflict with the law.
Held at the PWD Auditorium, the meeting brought together representatives from multiple government departments, judicial institutions, child protection agencies, and civil society organizations to strengthen inter-departmental coordination and ensure timely, comprehensive, and child-friendly support services.
Rehabilitation Goes Beyond Legal Procedures
Addressing the gathering, Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) Principal Magistrate Bhagwan Das Panika emphasized that the rehabilitation of children should not end with legal proceedings.
He stated that the ultimate objective is to help children become self-reliant, responsible citizens, and productive members of society.
Panika stressed the need for continuous cooperation, coordination, and partnership among all departments and institutions involved in child protection. He also explained the legal provisions designed to safeguard children’s rights and called for the creation of a child-friendly, sensitive, and empowered protection system.
Focus on a Reformative Approach
District Legal Services Authority Secretary Umesh Kumar Bhagwatkar highlighted that children in conflict with the law should be treated through a reformative rather than a punitive approach.
He said the goal is to enable these children to rebuild their lives through:
- Education
- Psychological counseling
- Skill development
- Vocational training
- Social reintegration
According to Bhagwatkar, providing holistic support can help children reconnect with mainstream society and secure a better future.
Comprehensive Child Protection Strategy
CSG Senior Director Urvashi Tilak presented a detailed roadmap focusing on:
- Protection of children’s rights
- Mental health and psychosocial counseling
- Access to quality education
- Vocational and life-skills training
- Effective implementation of rehabilitation programs
She emphasized that every child requires an individualized rehabilitation plan, tailored to their specific circumstances and implemented within a defined timeline.
Tilak also stressed the importance of ensuring strict compliance with child protection laws and creating a safe, supportive, and positive environment for vulnerable children.
Pilot Initiative Across Three Districts
During the meeting, Tilak explained that the initiative has been launched on a pilot basis in three districts of Chhattisgarh:
- Durg
- Raipur
- Bilaspur
These districts were selected because they have reported a relatively higher number of juvenile crime cases.
She also shared district-wise data on juvenile offenses, noting that the information is being used to design more effective rehabilitation and protection strategies.
Broad Participation Across Departments
The convergence meeting was attended by representatives from:
- Police Department
- School Education Department
- Health Department
- Labour Department
- District Legal Services Authority
- Child Welfare Committee (CWC)
- Juvenile Justice Board (JJB)
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partners
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Officials from the Women and Child Development Department, including R.K. Jambulkar and Project Coordinator Chandraprakash Patel, also participated in discussions on strengthening rehabilitation mechanisms.
American Perspectives
Dr. Rebecca Collins, a juvenile justice researcher from Boston, Massachusetts, said:
“International experience shows that children in conflict with the law are more likely to rebuild their lives when rehabilitation focuses on education, counseling, family support, and skill development rather than punishment alone.”
Michael Anderson, a child welfare policy expert from Washington, D.C., commented:
“Effective juvenile justice systems depend on close collaboration among courts, schools, healthcare providers, social workers, and community organizations. Multi-agency coordination significantly improves long-term outcomes for vulnerable children.”
Key Highlights
- Durg District Administration held a District-Level Convergence Meeting to strengthen the rehabilitation and protection of children in conflict with the law.
- JJB Principal Magistrate Bhagwan Das Panika said the objective is to help children become self-reliant and responsible citizens.
- Officials emphasized a reformative, child-centric, and rights-based approach instead of punitive measures.
- Discussions focused on education, mental health counseling, vocational training, and individual rehabilitation plans.
- The initiative is currently being implemented in Durg, Raipur, and Bilaspur, where juvenile crime cases are comparatively higher.
- Representatives from multiple government departments, judicial bodies, NGOs, and CSR organizations participated to strengthen inter-agency coordination and improve child protection services.
