Child Rights panel warns of criminal action against offenders

Andhra Pradesh State Child Rights Commission member Undavalli Gandhi Babu on Friday (September 25, 2026) said that it is the responsibility of everyone in society to safeguard the rights of children, and warned that criminal action would be taken against offenders.

The commission members, Undavalli Gandhi Babu and Challa Madhusudhan Rao, held a review meeting with officials at PGRS hall at the Collectorate as part of their two-day visit of Annamayya district. The commission views any harm to children seriously, and there will be no compromise on the safety of girl children, Mr.

Gandhi Babu said, directing strict legal action against offenders irrespective of their social status. Challa Madhusudhan Rao said that school management and teachers should be aware of the Child Protection Policy and should impart awareness of good touch and bad touch in government and private schools, thereby creating a safe environment for children.

The committee members said that officials should focus on toilets, drinking water, sanitation, playgrounds, and infrastructure in schools and colleges during inspections. They called for collective efforts to prevent child marriages and child labour, ensure nutrition, CCTV surveillance, safe transport, fitness checks, and effective implementation of the PCPNDT Act, with coordination among departments and NGOs.