Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Saturday issued a strong call for uncompromising action against perpetrators of child sexual abuse, particularly those exploiting children through social media platforms. Emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy, the Chief Minister said the state is fully committed to safeguarding children from such heinous crimes.
Addressing a state-level conference titled ‘Support for the Helpless – Protection and Rights of Children from Sexual Harassment’, Reddy stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to combat emerging threats like online child pornography and digital exploitation. The event was inaugurated by Supreme Court judge Justice Surya Kant and convened by the Women Safety Wing of the Telangana Police, in collaboration with the Department of Women Development and Child Welfare, Telangana State Legal Services Authority, and UNICEF.
“It is not enough to merely curb crimes against children; we must ensure that survivors receive legal, moral, and holistic protection,” the Chief Minister stated. He reiterated that justice must not be limited to court verdicts—it must be visible in every stage of the system, from police stations to child welfare centres.
State’s Commitment to Child Protection
Chief Minister Reddy highlighted key state-led initiatives aimed at child protection, most notably the Bharosa Project—a flagship program that offers one-stop support for victims of sexual violence. Currently, 29 Bharosa Centres operate across Telangana, offering legal aid, medical support, police assistance, and psychological counselling in a child-sensitive environment.
Reddy proudly noted that Telangana was the first state in India to introduce Child-Friendly Courts through its Hyderabad-based Bharosa Centre. These courts are designed to accelerate case resolution while protecting child survivors’ dignity, ensuring they are treated with empathy throughout the judicial process.
He called for improved implementation of key legislations like the POCSO Act and Juvenile Justice Act, pointing out that the aim should be not only legal compliance but also emotional healing and restoration of victims’ childhood.
“Justice is not just about punishing the guilty. It is about restoring hope and dignity to survivors,” he asserted.
Collaborative Action Urged
The Chief Minister urged seamless cooperation between the judiciary, police, child welfare committees, and civil society. “Preventing crimes against children requires a united front. Every arm of the system must work in tandem to create a truly safe environment,” he said.
Voices from the Judiciary and Child Welfare Leaders
Justice Surya Kant, addressing the gathering, said child safety is both a legal and moral responsibility. “Each failure to protect a child is not just a lapse—it is a betrayal of childhood,” he stated. He praised Telangana’s Bharosa Centres for their integrated approach to legal, medical, and psychosocial support.
Acting Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court, Justice Sujoy Paul, expressed serious concern over the growing number of POCSO cases. He cited data revealing that 98 per cent of child sexual abuse cases involve perpetrators known to the victim, emphasizing the need for increased sensitivity and vigilance from all stakeholders.
UNICEF India Representative Cynthia McCaffrey called for a shift “from protection to transformation,” asserting, “India’s children are not voiceless—they are silenced by systems. We must work to amplify their voices.” She commended Telangana for its child-sensitive policing and judicial practices.
The Bharosa Model: A Replicable Framework
Telangana Director General of Police Dr Jitender shared insights into the evolution of the Bharosa Model since its inception in 2016. He noted its expansion to 29 centres, which now provide integrated medical, legal, psychological, and para-medical support under one roof for survivors of sexual violence.
The conference served as a powerful platform for dialogue, strategy, and commitment—aimed at ensuring every child in Telangana is protected, empowered, and heard.
