PASIGHAT, Oct 23: The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR), in collaboration with the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), East Siang, organised a two-day child rights awareness and welfare assessment campaign at Government Higher Secondary School, Mebo, on Thursday and Friday.
The campaign aimed to sensitise stakeholders on child rights, child protection laws, online safety, mental health, and the prevention of child abuse and substance abuse, while assessing the implementation of child welfare measures at various institutions.
In-charge Deputy Commissioner Jayanti Pertin, while attending the inaugural programme, appreciated the initiative and called for coordinated efforts among departments and community stakeholders to safeguard children's rights and well-being.
Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba highlighted East Siang Police's initiatives for child protection, particularly Mission Muskaan 2.0, and assured participants of police assistance in addressing child protection concerns. Zilla Parishad Chairperson Ruth Tabing Boko urged self-help groups (SHGs) to actively spread awareness about child rights at the community level.
APSCPCR members Miti Libang and Honluk Lukham highlighted emerging concerns relating to child health, abuse, exploitation and substance abuse. They stressed the need for stronger coordination among government departments, SHGs and community-based organisations to ensure a safe environment for children.
Technical sessions covered the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, child labour, child marriage, the Right to Education Act, school safety, bullying, mental health, substance abuse prevention, online safety and cyberbullying. Resource persons included advocates Nyame Dabi and Sunny Tayeng, mental health psychologist Kenyot Pertin and IPS officer Neepa Manocha.
Interactive sessions enabled participants to seek clarification on relevant laws, preventive measures and available support mechanisms. Representatives from various government departments, schools, child protection bodies, SHGs and community organisations attended the programme.
As part of the welfare assessment, APSCPCR members, accompanied by ICDS and child protection officials, inspected Anganwadi centres, schools, child care institutions and the Women Police Station in Pasighat under the Pasighat ICDS Project. The team assessed institutional functioning, facilities and compliance with child protection and welfare requirements.
The campaign sought to strengthen community awareness, interdepartmental coordination and institutional accountability in protecting children's rights, safety and overall well-being.