Book fairs new grounds to warn children about abuse

In light of the brutal murder of a seven-year-old in Ryan International School, the central government is attempting to take steps to ensure children's safety in schools while also spreading awareness about child sexual abuse.

To that end, they intend to head to children's book fairs, and according to sources in the Ministry of Human Resource Development, the first such attempt might be made at the Pune book fair organised by the National Book Trust on October 7, which will have posters that will educate children on "good touch, bad touch".

A proposal from the ministry in this regard has been sent to NBT, which is yet to take a call. Sources suggested that the ministry was also keen on screening of the film Komal, a short film on child sexual abuse.

"We want posters that explain 'good touch, bad touch' at the book fair. It is a children's book fair and the government is trying to create awareness among the children, especially in the wake of the recent incidents of violence. Also, since parents will also be present at the festival, they will be able to handle the situation thereafter," said a source in the ministry.

Following the Ryan School incident, HRD Ministry and Women and Child Development Ministry have been working on a number of measures, including installing POCSO booths in schools to inform the people about the act.