Chhattisgarh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Signs MoU with Six Universities
India’s First Curriculum of Its Kind: Students to Receive Formal Education in Child Rights and Protection
Raipur. In the presence of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today at the Chief Minister’s residence in Raipur between the Chhattisgarh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and six universities of the state for the launch of the “Rakshak Curriculum”. Focused entirely on child rights and protection, this initiative marks the first academic programme of its kind in India.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that the Rakshak Curriculum will play a significant role in building a safer and more responsible future for students. He noted that the course would not only generate employment opportunities, but also create trained professionals equipped to work in the area of child rights and protection. He added that children often stray or fall into vulnerable situations due to innocence or lack of guidance. “It is our collective responsibility to guide such children back on the right path,” he remarked.
Highlighting the government’s progress, Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that within the past two years, the state has fulfilled most guarantees pledged by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Initiatives, including clearing the payment of farmers’ pending bonuses, the Mahtari Vandan Yojana for women, and housing for all have been successfully implemented. With over 350 administrative reforms enacted, Chhattisgarh is progressing swiftly on the path of good governance. In the same sequence, establishment of the Department of Good Governance and Convergence has also been ensured.
At the event, Chief Minister Shri Sai congratulated Commission Chairperson Dr. Varnika Sharma, who was also present on the occasion, and appreciated her entire team for developing and rolling out the curriculum across universities within a record time.
Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade emphasized the need for comprehensive efforts in the field of child protection, citing issues such as child begging, rehabilitation of abandoned children, and sensitive case management. She stated that the curriculum will prove to be a milestone in developing compassionate, aware and service-oriented youth. Calling it a national-level innovation, she expressed confidence that Chhattisgarh will emerge as a leading state in this domain.
Higher Education Minister Shri Tank Ram Verma hailed the curriculum as historic and congratulated the Commission and all six universities for its implementation.
About the Course
The one-year postgraduate diploma “PG Diploma in Child Rights & Protection” will commence in the institutions such as Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Sant Gahira Guru University, Surguja, Kushabhau Thakre University of Journalism & Mass Communication, Raipur, Anjaneya University, Raipur, Amity University, Raipur, Shri Shankaracharya Professional University, Bhilai-Durg.
Until now, no university in the state offered a curriculum dedicated to child rights and protection alongside career opportunities. In response to this need, the Commission has developed “Rakshak – A One-Year Postgraduate Programme on Child Rights Protection”. This curriculum will provide students with theoretical and legal knowledge, understanding of government schemes and institutions, insights into departmental processes, and practical exposure to child protection units. Designed to cultivate awareness and emotional sensitivity, the programme will build efficient, committed and trained human resources for the field. Training, mentorship and course support will be provided to universities free of cost by the Commission.
The event was attended by Prof. Shailendra Patel, Registrar, and Prof. A.K. Srivastava from Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur; Prof. Rajendra Lakpale, Vice-Chancellor, and Shri Sharda Prasad Tripathi, Registrar, Sant Gahira Guru University, Surguja; Shri Mahadev Kaavre, Vice-Chancellor, Kushabhau Thakre University of Journalism & Mass Communication, and Commissioner, Raipur Division, along with Registrar Shri Sunil Kumar Sharma; Dr. T. Rama Rao, Vice-Chancellor, and Dr. Rupali Choudhary, Registrar, Anjaneya University; Dr. Piyush Kant Pandey, Vice-Chancellor, and Dr. Suresh Dhyani, Registrar, Amity University; Dr. I.P. Mishra, Chancellor, Dr. A.K. Jha, Vice-Chancellor, and Dr. Jaya Mishra from Shri Shankaracharya Professional University, Bhilai-Durg; Commission Secretary Shri Prateek Khare, along with a number of senior departmental officials.
