A series of significant proposals and discussions aimed at strengthening child protection and early childhood education were taken up during the latest meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Women and Child Affairs, chaired by Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj.
The committee explored the need for bringing all preschools under a standardised national system. Officials revealed that a joint policy on preschool education is being developed by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs. They further emphasised the importance of implementing the already drafted preschool curriculum framework across all institutions.
Addressing issues faced by children in institutional care, the committee discussed alternatives to placing vulnerable children in children’s homes, advocating for family-based care as the preferred model. Officials from the Department of Probation and Child Care Services clarified that institutional placement occurs only through judicial orders and assured the committee that efforts are underway to sensitise the judiciary on the importance of preserving family bonds in such decisions.
Another topic of concern was the rise in substance abuse among children in plantation areas. Committee members highlighted the increased use of harmful products such as “Babool” and “Pan Parag” among children. It was revealed that these items are not currently on the list of banned imports. Consequently, the committee decided to urge the Consumer Affairs Authority to include these products in the list of prohibited items to protect children from their harmful effects.
The committee also raised concerns over inconsistent implementation of maternity leave policies, particularly in cases of third and subsequent childbirths. Officials confirmed that existing laws ensure equal maternity leave benefits for all live births, but public awareness of these entitlements remains low. The committee called for stronger communication and enforcement.
The appointment of Tamil-speaking female police officers in the Jaffna District was also discussed. Senior DIG Renuka Jayasundara reported that while 56 female officers are currently serving in the district, only around eight are proficient in Tamil. The committee stressed the need to improve linguistic accessibility in women and children’s units, especially in minority regions.
Additionally, the committee highlighted the lack of attention to women and children’s issues within district-level policy discussions, noting that District Secretaries have now been directed to ensure these topics are consistently addressed in relevant committee meetings. The importance of involving District Coordinating Committee chairs and key officials in the Children’s Rights Promotion Committees at the divisional level was also underscored.
The meeting was attended by several ministers, state ministers, parliamentarians, and senior government officials.
