Coordination vital to curb POCSO cases: Collector

District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad on Wednesday said all departments must work together to reduce cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in the district. He said close coordination with the Women and Child Welfare Department was crucial to achieve results.

Speaking at a district-level training programme at the Collectorate, the Collector said many offences against children were committed by family members or known persons. He urged parents to stay alert and keep a close watch on their children. He also called for widespread public awareness programmes.

Mr. Prasad stressed the need for strong coordination between the police and medical departments. He said quick investigations and timely forensic reports were essential for the speedy disposal of POCSO cases. He asked officials to conduct awareness programmes on the POCSO Act in schools and villages.

ICDS Project Director K.V. Ramalakshmi said the government was sanctioning compensation to victims as per G.O. Ms. No. 28. She said One Stop Centres under the Women and Child Welfare Department were providing counselling and medical support.

Keerthi said her NGO was ready to work with the district administration to prevent POCSO cases. She also suggested setting up an additional fast-track court in Visakhapatnam district to speed up trials.

Advocate D. Annayababu and psychologist Dr. Nitya took part as resource persons. They explained the key provisions of the POCSO Act, child protection measures, and psychological care for victims. District officials, police and medical representatives, and NGO members attended the programme.