The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has decided to introduce a certification process to ensure that individuals recruited to the public service, particularly for positions involving direct contact with children, have not been accused of child-related offences.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj made this statement while addressing a media briefing held at the Government Information Department.
She said steps have been taken to submit the relevant Cabinet paper regarding the proposed certification process.
Accordingly, the certificate will have to be obtained from the Police or other relevant authorities before an individual is recruited to the public service in a position involving access to children.
The Minister further said that public officers already serving in such positions will also be required to renew the certificate at their service milestones and when receiving salary increments, confirming that they have not been involved in child-related offences during the relevant period.
She said the measure is being introduced to ensure that individuals working closely with children are not persons who have been accused of or involved in offences against children.
