Itanagar, Sep 7: Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) today organised a one day legal awareness programme on ‘Cervical and Breast Cancer, Drug Abuse & Alcoholism, Sexual Harassment at Work Place and Women Related Laws’ in collaboration with Dera Natung Government College here at the Golden Jubilee Hall of the college.

APSCW Chairperson Radhilu Chai Techi spoke on the problems faced by women such as domestic violence, gender inequality, 50℅ reservation for women in Panchayats and 33℅ in Assembly. Reminding of the rising graph of crime against women and girl child, she urged the concerned authorities to prioritize such cases, investigate properly and dispose them at the earliest. While encouraging the participants to help each other, seek help from police, legal counsel and Women Commission, she also advised the girls to strive to become self-dependent and urged them not to indulge in polygamy. In her keynote address, APSCW Member Techi Hunmai spoke of the powers and functions of the Commission. Resource Person and Psychiatrist, TRIMHS Dr. Igam Bagra highlighted the problem of drug abuse in the state.

Resource Person and Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Service Authority Member Secretary Budi Habung informed about various laws related to women and informed about the free legal services provided by SLSA and the provisions of legal services at district level. Obstetricians and Gynaecologist TRIHMS Dr. Todak Taba while informing that highest number of cervical cancer cases are found in Papum Pare district, pointed out that females falling in the group of 25 to 60 years are the main sufferers. Through Power Point Presentation he explained the symptoms and threat factors and requested to avail free screening or check-up for cervical cancer. Adding that state government is providing one lakh free chemotherapy for cancer patients in TRIMHS, he informed that patients must bring their ST certificates along with passport photographs to avail the benefit. Resource Person Professor Nani Mamung elaborated on the topic of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace and encouraged to report such cases to the committee or police. DNGC Principal Dr. N T Rikam stressed on legal codification of customary laws.

The programme was participated by APSCW Vice Chairperson Heyomai Towsik, Members Hoksum Ori, Likha Joya, APSCW staff, Professors of DNGC and students.

Meanwhile, a One Day Legal Awareness on 'Mother and Child Rights' was organised by Indian Council of Child Welfare-Arunachal Pradesh (ICCW-AP) in collaboration with AP State Commission for Women (APSCW), AP State Legal Service Authority (APSLSA) and Human Rights Law Network (HRLN), Itanagar here at Banquet Hall on September 6 last.

APSCW Member Techi Hunmai highlighted the purpose of Commission, its powers and functions. Resource Person Dr Goter Doke spoke on maternal health concerns and disease like cervical cancer and urged for vaccination provisions for women in the state.

In-charge Tertiary Cancer Centre, TRIMHS Dr. Sam Tsering elaborated on tobacco and drug abuses and how addiction can cause cancer. Resource Person and Oju Welfare Association Chairperson Ratan Anya highlighted that the state lacks in Child Care Institutions (CCI) and urged for establishing more institutes throughout the state.

APSCW Chairperson Radhilu Chai Techi stressed on recruitment of independent protection officers as Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) are overburdened with works and also urged for creation of a forensic lab in Arunachal Pradesh. DIET Professor Bai Lombi, AP State Legal Service Authority (APSLSA) Member Secretary Budi Habung, ICCW-AP President Advocate Sunil Mow and Life Member-cum-Adviser Jarjum Ete also spoke on the occasion.

The programme also included ICCW-AP conducted State Level Drawing Competition in Government Schools of both Itanagar and Naharlagun which had a special child category that gave opportunity to the children of Donyi Polo School For Hearing Impaired and Visually Challenged, Chimpu to participate. APSCW PR