Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savitri Paulraj says the post-disaster responsibilities of her Ministry extend far beyond providing material assistance, emphasising the urgent need to ensure the safety and psychosocial wellbeing of affected women and children.
The Minister noted that the Ministry’s counselling services must take a leading role in rebuilding the mental resilience of communities struggling to return to normal life.
She pointed out that many families had lost their homes and sources of protection, leaving children without secure environments and some women without their spouses. The situation has also created vulnerable groups such as children without proper guardianship, female-headed households, and children now solely in the custody of their fathers after losing their mothers.
“This is a moment that demands greater attention from all of us. Ensuring the safety and psychosocial stability of these groups is not just an official duty—it is a national and civic responsibility,” she said.
The Minister stressed the need for stronger coordination between Provincial Probation Departments and the security forces. She also commended field officers for taking on significant disaster-management responsibilities in addition to their regular duties.
