Bengaluru, Jan 28 (NationPress) Karnataka's Women and Child Welfare Minister, Laxmi Hebbalkar, urged citizens on Wednesday to take an active stance in combating crimes against children, emphasizing the state's unwavering commitment to their protection.

Her remarks were prompted by BJP MLA Y. Bharat Shetty, who highlighted the alarming rise in kidnapping and sexual abuse cases involving children in the state, calling for the government to implement effective measures to tackle this growing issue.

During the Question and Answer session in the State Assembly, Shetty sought information regarding the prevalence of physical and sexual abuse against children. In response, the minister provided a detailed two-page statement outlining existing laws and preventive actions. However, Shetty expressed concerns over the serious shortcomings in the enforcement of these laws.

“Each year, regardless of the ruling party, we see a 70 to 75 percent surge in cases of kidnapping and sexual abuse. Numerous regulations are in place, including the establishment of committees at the grassroots level within gram panchayats and local entities to prevent such crimes. Although the government has mandated the implementation of the Child Protection Policy, crime rates remain unacceptably high,” he stated.

“The increase in these crimes is consistent and concerning. While resources like a child helpline exist, there is a pressing need to compile data on predators, those apprehended and convicted, and repeat offenders, as cases of child kidnapping and sexual abuse continue to escalate,” he elaborated.

“These issues can sometimes take on a communal dimension. The Devadasi system has been effectively addressed by various administrations, but incidents of child abuse and sexual exploitation are on the rise within religious institutions that operate under single-person supervision,” he remarked.

“For instance, in madrasas. This statement is not biased; it should not be interpreted through a religious lens. As a community, we must voice our concerns. The minister's response lacks effectiveness,” he asserted.

In addressing these concerns, Minister Hebbalkar responded, “We have presented a comprehensive reply to the legislator. He argues that despite the existence of laws and helplines designed to protect children and women, crimes are still increasing. As he stated, this issue should not be viewed through a communal perspective. We must take action against offenders, regardless of their background.”

“For effective prevention, I want to emphasize that while elected officials bear responsibilities, every citizen has a part to play. We are conducting extensive awareness initiatives in schools, hostels, and public venues. We are promoting helplines, raising awareness about the POCSO Act, and organizing street plays to connect with the community,” she noted.

“For the past month and a half, we have also utilized radio to disseminate information on this crucial matter,” she added.

Speaker U.T. Khader interjected, asking the minister what additional steps could be taken to strengthen preventive measures against crimes targeting children, suggesting that the legislator's proposals should be considered and discussed.

In her response, Minister Hebbalkar stated, “On November 28, 2025, the government established the Akka Force, which is now operational across all 31 districts. Its primary mission is to prevent crimes against children and women. This force actively visits schools and religious institutions. I want to remind the public that the child helpline '1098' is available 24/7. The Akka Force helpline is '181', and the police department's helpline is '112'. It’s crucial for the public to keep these numbers accessible.”

“The Akka Force patrols for 12 hours daily and consists solely of female personnel. Parents, children, and community members are encouraged to reach out to the Akka Force for any concerns. Crimes typically do not occur without warning signs and underlying factors. Victims should approach us, and their information will be kept confidential,” she emphasized.

She also indicated that a committee comprising officials from seven departments has been established at the gram panchayat level to address these issues, stating that the government would ramp up its efforts.

Shetty proposed that CCTV cameras be mandatory in all schools and that institutions overseen by a single individual should have an additional supervisor, preferably a woman. He cautioned that despite the presence of the Akka Force, child kidnapping incidents continue to rise, stressing that failing to prevent such crimes undermines the very foundation of civil society.

Speaker U.T. Khader commended MLA Y. Bharat Shetty for his constructive recommendations.