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Case Study Report by Md Ameer Pasha
PARA Organisation, Rajahmundry | Don Bosco for Migrants (DB4M)
Desk 

1. Background
On 15 September 2026, Mr. Sudhir Minj, a 30-year-old migrant worker from West Bengal, reportedly fell from a train near Samalkot Railway Station while travelling from Kerala to his native place. He was admitted to the Government Hospital in Kakinada with injuries. Later, he went missing from the hospital, and his younger brother, Sudeep Minj, who travelled from Hyderabad to search for him, could not locate him.

2. Intervention and Rescue
On 14 October 2026, I received a call from Mr. Surendra of MAIN Organisation, Hyderabad, requesting assistance in tracing Sudhir. In coordination with Mr. Arbind Ekka and the MAIN Organisation team in Kolkata, I initiated efforts to locate him.
The following day, we received information that Sudhir was near Sarfavaram Junction, Kakinada, and appeared to be in a distressed condition. I immediately contacted Advocate Pawan Kumar, a member of our civil society network in Kakinada. Despite being occupied with court proceedings, he responded promptly, traced Sudhir, and helped coordinate his safe transportation to Rajahmundry.
I personally received Sudhir at the Rajahmundry bus station and arranged for him to stay at the Don Bosco Ekalavya Children's Home. He was provided with clean clothes, temporary accommodation, and medical attention for his head and hand injuries. Mr. Vikas, a staff member of the home, provided valuable assistance in ensuring his care and medical support.

3. Family Reunification
We facilitated a video call between Sudhir and his wife and children, bringing reassurance to his family after weeks of uncertainty. His younger brother, Sudeep Minj, arrived in Rajahmundry the following morning, and the brothers were reunited.
A video call was also arranged with Mr. Arbind Ekka of MAIN Organisation, Kolkata, and Mr. Surendra of MAIN Organisation, Hyderabad. Under the guidance of Fr. Thomas Pallithanam, Director of PARA Organisation, temporary accommodation and necessary support were arranged for both brothers until train tickets to West Bengal could be booked.

4. Role of PARA–DB4M and Key Learning
As Desk In-Charge for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana under the Don Bosco for Migrants (DB4M) initiative, I coordinated the entire response, from receiving the initial information and tracing Sudhir to arranging transportation, medical assistance, temporary shelter, and family reunification.
I sincerely thank Advocate Pawan Kumar, Mr. Vikas, the MAIN Organisation teams in Hyderabad and Kolkata, and Fr. Thomas Pallithanam for their valuable support.
This case demonstrates that strong organisational linkages, timely communication, and effective coordination between civil society organisations can make a life-changing difference in the lives of vulnerable migrant workers. It reinforces our commitment to protecting migrant workers' dignity, safety, and well-being.

PARA organised a two-day training programme on Child Rights and the Village Child Welfare and Protection Committee (VCWPC) on 13 and 14 October 2026 at PARA Office, Ravulapalem. The programme brought together representatives from 40 villages across four mandals—Kothapeta, Ravulapalem, Atreyapuram and Alamuru—with 10 villages represented from each mandal. The training particularly focused on Anganwadi Teachers, adolescent boys (Kishore Baludu) and adolescent girls (Kishore Balika), recognising their important role in building safe, inclusive and child-friendly communities.

The primary objective of the programme was to strengthen the understanding of child rights and enhance the capacity of village-level stakeholders to identify, prevent and respond to child protection concerns. By bringing together frontline workers and young people, PARA sought to promote a shared understanding of child protection as a collective responsibility requiring active participation from communities, government institutions and children themselves.

Inaugural Session: Strengthening the Commitment to Child Protection

The programme commenced with the registration of participants and the traditional inauguration through the lighting of the lamp. The sessions were attended by Smt. Vimala, Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC); Smt. Gajalakshmi, Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) of the Kothapeta Project; supervisors from the concerned mandals; and Thomas Pallithanam, Director of PARA, who attended the inauguration of the second day's programme.

Addressing the participants, Smt. Vimala highlighted the importance of child rights and the role of the Child Welfare Committee in protecting children in need of care and protection. She also drew attention to the support available for eligible orphaned children under Mission Vatsalya, emphasising the importance of identifying vulnerable children and facilitating their access to appropriate assistance.

Smt. Gajalakshmi spoke about the role and responsibilities of VCWPC, particularly in preventing child marriages and addressing issues affecting children at the village level. She stressed the importance of community awareness, early identification of risks and coordination among stakeholders to ensure that children receive timely protection and support.

On the second day, Thomas Pallithanam, Director of PARA, set the context for the training by emphasising that children must be recognised as protagonists in promoting and protecting their own rights. His message highlighted the need to move beyond viewing children merely as beneficiaries of protection programmes and instead recognise them as active participants who can understand their rights, express their concerns and contribute to change in their communities. This perspective underscored the importance of listening to children's voices and creating opportunities for their meaningful participation in matters affecting their lives.

Understanding Child Rights and Child Protection

A major focus of the training was building participants' understanding of the fundamental rights of children and the responsibility of adults and institutions to uphold them. The sessions addressed the rights to survival and development, non-discrimination, health, participation and expression. Participants were sensitised to the importance of ensuring that every child has access to care, education, healthcare, opportunities for development and a safe environment.

The programme also highlighted the need to identify and address situations in which children's rights are violated or threatened. Issues such as child marriage and other child protection concerns require vigilance, awareness and timely intervention at the community level. The discussions reinforced that child protection cannot be the responsibility of a single institution; it requires coordinated action by families, communities, frontline workers and relevant government authorities.

VCWPC: A Vital Mechanism for Village-Level Child Protection

The role of the Village Child Welfare and Protection Committee was central to the training. Participants were oriented to the purpose and responsibilities of VCWPC as a village-level mechanism for identifying vulnerable children, recognising protection concerns and facilitating appropriate action.

Particular emphasis was placed on the prevention of child marriage, identification of children in need of care and protection, community awareness and coordination with relevant authorities. The training highlighted the importance of active village-level engagement in ensuring that concerns affecting children are identified early and addressed through appropriate channels.

The sessions also introduced participants to key institutions within the child protection and Juvenile Justice framework, including the Child Welfare Committee, Juvenile Justice Board, District Child Protection Unit and Special Juvenile Police Unit. Understanding the roles of these institutions can help village-level stakeholders facilitate appropriate referrals and connect children with the services and protection mechanisms they need.

Children as Active Participants in Protecting Their Rights

An important dimension of the training was the participation of adolescent boys and girls alongside Anganwadi Teachers. Their involvement reflected PARA's emphasis on recognising children and young people as active participants in child protection efforts.

Adolescents can play an important role in creating awareness among their peers, identifying harmful practices and encouraging children to seek help when they face difficulties. When children understand their rights and are provided with safe opportunities to express themselves, they can contribute meaningfully to building communities that respect and protect children's dignity.

Anganwadi Teachers, as frontline functionaries who interact with children and families, also have an important role in identifying concerns, raising awareness and connecting vulnerable children with appropriate support services. The participation of these groups created an opportunity to reinforce the complementary roles of adults and young people in strengthening village-level child protection.

Building a Collective Response Across 40 Villages

The participation of representatives from 40 villages across Kothapeta, Ravulapalem, Atreyapuram and Alamuru mandals was an important feature of the two-day programme. With 10 villages represented from each mandal, the training created a platform for strengthening awareness of child rights and VCWPC across multiple communities.

By bringing together frontline workers and adolescent representatives, PARA emphasised the importance of shared responsibility, community vigilance and collaboration with child protection institutions. The programme reinforced the need for village-level stakeholders to remain alert to risks affecting children, support preventive action and ensure that vulnerable children are connected with appropriate services.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of awareness about support mechanisms under Mission Vatsalya for eligible orphaned and vulnerable children, so that children requiring assistance can be identified and guided towards appropriate support.

Towards Child-Friendly and Protective Communities

The two-day VCWPC training programme reaffirmed the importance of strengthening community-based child protection mechanisms and promoting a rights-based approach to child welfare. It highlighted the role of VCWPC in preventing child marriage and addressing child protection concerns, while emphasising the contributions of Anganwadi Teachers, adolescent boys and girls, community representatives and government institutions.

Most importantly, the programme reinforced the message that children should not merely be the subjects of protection initiatives but should be recognised as active participants in promoting and safeguarding their rights. Building child-friendly communities requires adults to listen to children, respect their perspectives and provide them with opportunities to participate safely and meaningfully.

Through this initiative, PARA continued its efforts to strengthen awareness of child rights and encourage collective action at the village level. Sustained engagement, effective coordination and meaningful participation by children and communities are essential to creating an environment in which every child can grow with dignity, safety and equal opportunities.

PARA remains committed to promoting child rights and strengthening community-based child protection mechanisms so that every child is heard, protected and supported. 

Stakeholders' Dialogue on International Day Against Child Labour 2026

Theme:

"Building a Child Labour Free World"

On the occasion of the International Day Against Child Labour, PARA Organization organized a Stakeholders' Dialogue aimed at raising awareness on child rights, child protection, and collective responsibility towards eliminating child labour. The program brought together children, government officials, child protection stakeholders, and community representatives to deliberate on the challenges faced by children and the measures required to ensure their safety, education, and overall well-being.

Objectives of the Program

The program was organized with the following objectives:

• To create awareness among children and stakeholders about the harmful effects of child labour.
• To promote child rights and child protection mechanisms.
• To strengthen coordination among government departments, child protection agencies, and communities.
• To encourage children to continue their education and become advocates against child labour.
• To build a collective commitment towards creating child labour-free communities.

Participation

A total of 49 children participated in the program from the blocks of, Atreyapuram, Ravulapalem, Kothapeta and Alamuru. The event was coordinated by Mr. G. China Durga, Children's Wing Coordinator, PARA Organization.

Distinguished Guests

The occasion was graced by:

• Director, PARA Organization
• Assistant Director, PARA Organization
• Ms. Santhoshi Kumari – Member, Child Welfare Committee (CWC)
• Mr. Srinivas Rao – Protection Officer, Women and Child Welfare Department
• Ms. Gajalakshmi – Child Development Officer (CDO), ICDS Department

Their presence added significance to the event and reinforced the commitment of various stakeholders towards child protection and welfare.

Inaugural Session

The program commenced with the recitation of the Preamble of the Constitution of India, reinforcing the values of justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity among the participants. This was followed by the inauguration of a special awareness poster on the International Day Against Child Labour by the dignitaries present on the dais.

The poster symbolized the collective pledge of all stakeholders to protect children from exploitation and ensure access to education, dignity, and opportunities for development.

Key Sessions and Discussions

Setting the Context: Child Protection and Child Rights

Mr. Thomas Pallithanam, Director of PARA Organization, introduced the theme of the day and emphasized the importance of protecting children in all difficult situations. He presented the powerful concept of the Three S's – See, Speak, and Save:

• See children who are vulnerable and in distress.
• Speak against violations and exploitation.
• Save children by connecting them with appropriate support systems.

His message highlighted that every individual in society has a responsibility to identify and respond to situations that threaten children's rights and safety.

Understanding Child Labour and Legal Protection

Mr. Srinivas, Protection Officer from the Women and Child Welfare Department, spoke extensively on the Child Labour Act and various forms of exploitation faced by children. He explained:

• The legal provisions prohibiting child labour.
• Bonded labour and forced labour practices.
• Workplace hazards and unsafe conditions affecting children.
• The importance of reporting violations through appropriate authorities.

He encouraged children and community members to be vigilant and to seek help whenever they encounter child labour or abuse.

Child Welfare and Protection Mechanisms

Ms. Santhoshi Kumari, Member of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), addressed the participants on various risks faced by children in society, including:

• Child labour
• Child begging
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect and exploitation

She explained the roles and responsibilities of the Child Welfare Committee, emphasizing its mandate to protect children who are in need of care and protection. Participants learned about the support services available for vulnerable children, including shelter homes, rehabilitation services, counseling, and legal assistance.

The session helped children understand where and how to seek support during difficult situations.

Child Development and Safety Education

Ms. Gajalakshmi, Child Development Officer (CDO), ICDS Department, conducted an informative session on Kishore Vikasam, focusing on adolescent development and safety.

Key topics covered included:

• Prevention of child marriages
• Personal safety and self-protection
• Safe touch and unsafe touch
• Online safety and cyber risks
• Identifying and responding to suspicious behavior

The session encouraged children to build confidence, make informed decisions, and report any uncomfortable or threatening situations to trusted adults and authorities.

Children's Participation and Engagement

The program adopted a participatory approach, encouraging children to ask questions, share experiences, and engage in discussions. Interactive sessions helped participants better understand their rights and responsibilities.

The children actively participated in slogan campaigns promoting:

• "Stop Child Labour"
• "Every Child in School"
• "Protect Childhood, Protect the Future"
• "Education is Every Child's Right"

The slogans reflected the children's growing awareness and commitment towards creating safer communities for themselves and their peers.

Outcomes of the Program

The program achieved several positive outcomes:

• Increased awareness among children regarding child rights and protection mechanisms.
• Improved understanding of child labour laws and reporting systems.
• Enhanced knowledge on personal safety, child protection, and online risks.
• Strengthened collaboration between government departments and civil society stakeholders.
• Encouraged children to become ambassadors against child labour within their communities.
• Reinforced the importance of education as a tool for empowerment and social transformation.

Conclusion

The Stakeholders' Dialogue on the International Day Against Child Labour served as an important platform for promoting child rights and strengthening child protection systems. Through the active involvement of government officials, child protection agencies, and children themselves, the event reinforced the shared responsibility of creating a society where every child is safe, protected, educated, and free from exploitation.

The program concluded with a collective pledge to eliminate child labour and ensure that every child enjoys a safe and nurturing childhood. Certificates of participation were distributed to all children in recognition of their active involvement and commitment to promoting child rights.

PARA Organization remains committed to working with communities, government departments, and children to build child-friendly and child labour-free communities where every child can realize their full potential.

PARA successfully organized three Residential Training Programs for District Vigilance and Monitoring Committee (DVMC) and Community Vigilance and Monitoring Committee (CVMC) members on the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 and its Rules. The training programs were conducted from 3rd June to 5th June 2026 at Montfort Social Institute, Ramanthapur, Hyderabad.

The objective of the training was to strengthen the knowledge and capacities of DVMC and CVMC members on the effective implementation of the SC/ST (PoA) Act and Rules, victim protection mechanisms, legal remedies, and community-based monitoring of atrocity cases.

Inaugural Session

The training program commenced with a solemn inaugural session. Participants and guests paid tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar by garlanding his portrait and collectively reciting the Preamble of the Constitution of India, reaffirming their commitment to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

The inaugural session was graced by distinguished guests and resource persons including:

Ø  Mr. Paul Divakar – Human Rights Activist

Ø  Ms. Geddam Jhansi – Dalit Women Rights Activist

Ø  Mr. Desal Bhupal – Telangana State RTI Commissioner

Ø  Br. Varghese – Director, Montfort Social Institute

Ø  Mr. D. Narasimha – Telangana State High Court Judge-cum-Public Prosecutor

Ø  Mr. Nandagopal – Former Director of Sakshi and Human Rights Activist

Ø  Mr. Edwin – Scholar and Human Rights Activist

Ø  Mr. Penki Chitti Babu – Program Manager

During the inaugural session, the speakers highlighted the efforts and achievements of DBSU in addressing caste-based atrocities and supporting victims despite numerous challenges. They emphasized the importance of strengthening grassroots vigilance mechanisms and ensuring effective implementation of constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

A significant highlight of the inauguration was the formal release of the Training Module on the SC/ST (PoA) Act and Rules, which will serve as an important resource for community leaders, activists, and committee members.

Key Training Sessions

Over the three-day residential training, participants engaged in intensive learning and discussions on various legal, administrative, and advocacy-related aspects concerning the rights of SC/ST communities. The major topics covered included:

1. Overview of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and Rules.
2. Government Order (G.O.) No. 95 relating to crime registration and compensation for victims.
3. Protection of victims and witnesses and their legal rights.
4. Fact-finding methodologies and documentation of atrocity cases.
5. Right to Information (RTI) Act and filing RTI applications using appropriate legal provisions.
6. Legal Clinics and their role in community justice.
7. Judicial activism and access to justice mechanisms.
8. District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) services and legal aid provisions.

The resource persons provided practical insights, case studies, and field experiences, enabling participants to better understand legal procedures and intervention strategies for atrocity cases.

Participation

The training witnessed active participation from DVMC and CVMC members representing various districts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Andhra Pradesh

• Vizianagaram
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema
• Prakasam
• Guntur
• Kadapa
• Manyam

Telangana

• Mahabubnagar
• Rangareddy
• Yadadri Bhuvanagiri
• Warangal
• Suryapet
• Vikarabad
• Khammam

The participants actively shared their field experiences, challenges, and best practices in addressing caste-based discrimination and atrocities in their respective regions.

Outcomes

The training enhanced participants' understanding of:

• Legal provisions under the SC/ST (PoA) Act and Rules.
• Procedures for securing justice, compensation, and rehabilitation for victims.
• Community-based monitoring and vigilance mechanisms.
• Effective use of RTI and legal aid services.
• Fact-finding and documentation skills for atrocity cases.
• Strengthening collaboration with government agencies, DLSA, and other stakeholders.

The program also created a platform for networking and collective learning among DVMC and CVMC members across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Conclusion

The three-day residential training program successfully strengthened the capacities of DVMC and CVMC members to advocate for the rights of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and to effectively respond to atrocity cases. The sessions reinforced the importance of community vigilance, legal awareness, and coordinated action in ensuring justice, dignity, and constitutional rights for marginalized communities.

PARA expresses its sincere gratitude to all the resource persons, participants, and the Montfort Social Institute for their valuable support and contribution to the successful conduct of the program.

International Labour Day (MAY DAY) was solemnly and enthusiastically celebrated at Ravulapalem by PARA in collaboration with various labour unions. The program was organized with the objective of honoring the invaluable contributions of workers and creating awareness about their rights, dignity, and social importance.

The celebration commenced with a flag hoisting ceremony, which symbolized the unity, strength, and collective spirit of the working class. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of solidarity and respect for labourers who form the backbone of society.

Fr. Simharayulu, Assistant Director of PARA, was the chief speaker on the occasion. In his address, he elaborated on the historical background and significance of International Labour Day. He spoke about the struggles faced by workers across the world, particularly recalling movements that fought for basic rights such as fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe working conditions. He emphasized that Labour Day is not just a celebration, but also a reminder of the ongoing responsibility to protect and promote workers’ rights.

He further encouraged the gathering to remain united and aware, stressing that collective action and solidarity are essential in addressing the challenges faced by labourers even today. He also appreciated the role of organizations like PARA and trade unions in supporting marginalized workers and promoting social justice at the grassroots level.

The program witnessed active and meaningful participation from PARA staff, trade union leaders, and women engaged in field-level activities. The presence of women participants highlighted the significant role they play in the labour force and community development. Their involvement added depth to the program and reflected the inclusive nature of the initiative.

Trade union leaders also expressed their views informally, reinforcing the importance of unity among workers and the need for continued efforts to safeguard labour rights in changing socio-economic conditions.

The celebration served as an important platform for reflection, awareness, and solidarity. It not only honored the contributions of workers but also strengthened the commitment of all stakeholders towards ensuring dignity, equality, and justice for labourers.