New safeguard proposed for public sector jobs involving children

The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has proposed a new safeguard for public sector recruitment that would require people, particularly those taking up positions involving direct access to children, to obtain a certificate confirming they have not been accused of child-related crimes.

Speaking at a media briefing at the Government Information Department, Minister Saroja Paulraj said the relevant Cabinet paper has already been submitted for consideration.

The proposed measure is intended to ensure that individuals entrusted with positions involving children have no record of accusations related to child abuse or other offences against children.

The certificate would be issued by the police or another relevant government authority.

The requirement would also extend to individuals already employed in the public service. Under the proposal, officials would be required to renew and submit the certificate at specified points during their service, including service breaks and salary increments.

Minister Paulraj said the system would help ensure that public servants working with children had not become involved in child-related offences during their period of service.

She stressed that introducing such safeguards is essential to strengthen child protection and ensure greater accountability within the public sector.