Yupia, March 12: A one-day State-Level Conference on key issues concerning child rights was organized by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights in collaboration with the Women and Child Development Department and the District Administration, Papum Pare, on March 12 at the ZPC Conference Hall, Yupia.
The conference featured an inaugural session followed by a technical session later in the afternoon, bringing together officials, stakeholders, and members of child protection institutions to deliberate on pressing issues related to the protection and welfare of children.
Speaking on the occasion, Anya Ratan, Chairperson of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, emphasized the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in nurturing children and creating a safe environment for their development. She stressed that ignorance of the law cannot be an excuse and highlighted the importance of institutions such as the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) and the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), which are mandated to safeguard children’s rights.
She observed that although these bodies exist, lack of coordination and delayed responses often affect the effective implementation of child protection laws at the grassroots level. 
She called for greater cooperation among stakeholders and urged the appointing authorities, including Deputy Commissioners and the Women and Child Development Department, to ensure that appointments to JJBs and CWCs strictly follow the prescribed qualifications and experience criteria.
Highlighting another concern, she pointed out the mushrooming of private schools operating without proper authorization in the state. Referring to incidents of bullying and suicides in some institutions, she noted that many schools are functioning without recognition or adequate monitoring.
She informed that around 32 unrecognized private schools are reportedly operating in the Itanagar Capital Region alone, many lacking proper infrastructure and employing underpaid and underqualified teachers, resulting in poor educational outcomes.
Referring to a recent bullying incident in a Sainik School that reportedly led to the death of a student, she informed that the SCPCR has initiated steps towards the enactment of anti-ragging legislation, which will soon be tabled. She also raised concerns over the misuse of social media among children and urged parents to monitor their children’s internet usage and online interactions.
Speaking on the occasion, DC Papum Pare Vishakha Yadav stated that nearly one-third of the country’s population consists of young people, making it essential to nurture and guide them properly. She highlighted growing concerns such as suicides among youngsters and cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), and stressed the importance of awareness and community involvement in addressing these issues. She added that the conference aims to bridge the knowledge gap regarding laws and legal mechanisms that protect children’s rights.
She also referred to recent ragging incidents in some private schools and informed that the district administration is preparing a strict Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for residential schools, which will be enforced soon.
Superintendent of Police Taru Gusar also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of responsible parenting and proper guidance. He highlighted practical issues prevalent in the state, including concerns related to underage domestic helpers and juvenile problems such as drug addiction and exploitation, and called for collective efforts from all stakeholders.
Earlier, Miti Libang , Member SCPCR welcomed the participants and encouraged them to actively engage in the discussions and benefit from the conference.
In the afternoon, the conference continued with a technical session featuring expert presentations. Shivendu Bhushan, IPS, Superintendent of Police (Crime) and Head of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), conducted a session on bullying and cyberbullying in schools, focusing on their identification, prevention, and response mechanisms.
Taba Zim, Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, Itanagar Capital Region, delivered a session on building a safe environment for children and emphasized the role of teachers, parents, and institutions in empowering and protecting children.
Lekha Asha Nyelam, Member of the Juvenile Justice Board, Itanagar Capital Region, conducted a session on issues related to child trafficking and mechanisms for prevention and intervention.
Bahi Koyu, CDPO-cum-State Nodal Officer of Mission Shakti, delivered a presentation on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, highlighting provisions for prevention, prohibition, and redressalof sexual harassment at workplaces.
The technical session concluded with an interactive open house discussion where participants raised queries and shared concerns, which were addressed by the resource persons.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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