Itanagar, Nov 19: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), in collaboration with the Department of Education, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh, has organised a one-day State-level conference on “Gaps and Challenges in Implementation of Key Child Rights Legislations” at the DK Convention Centre here on Monday last.
The event brought together senior Govt officials, members of the judiciary, police, academia, civil society organisations, child-care institutions, and educational representatives to review implementation gaps and identify actionable solutions under key child protection frameworks, including the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and the NCPCR Manuals on School Safety, Child Trafficking, and Suicide Risk Reduction among students.
Delivering the keynote address, NCPCR Division Head for Juvenile Justice, POCSO and Special Cells, Paresh Shah, said child rights are a collective responsibility and that both the Central and State Governments are committed to safeguarding every child. He stressed on the need for greater awareness, stronger institutional mechanisms and improved coordination among all stakeholders.
Shah informed that NCPCR has, in the last six months, disposed of around 26,000 cases, rescued over 2,300 children and repatriated more than 1,000 children to their home-district CCIs, while also introducing advanced technology for case management.
Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR) Chairperson Ratan Anya presented a detailed situational analysis of gaps, challenges in implementing JJ and POCSO Acts. She cited recent incidents in the State exposing weaknesses in school safety, monitoring, reporting and child protection mechanisms. She called for regular school audits, stronger enforcement of provisions related to child trafficking, child labour, substance abuse prevention, and improved awareness among all stakeholders.
State’s Education Commissioner Amzad Tatak urged all district officials to strictly implement NCPCR’s Manual on School Safety and informed about the formation of a State Task Force headed by the Chief Minister to strengthen child rights within the education system.
Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) assistant professor Dr Tarun Mane addressed the critical issue of child suicides, presenting national and state-specific data along with preventive strategies. NCPCR consultant Pooja briefed participants on the Anti-Child Trafficking Cell initiatives and the ongoing “Baal Taskari Se Aazadi 3.0” campaign covering 200 bordering and adjoining districts, including those in Arunachal Pradesh.
Speakers from APSCPCR, RGU, NCPCR and the Arunachal Pradesh Police made presentations on POCSO implementation, juvenile justice, child suicide risk, trafficking patterns, cyber safety and the need for robust convergence mechanisms.
The conference concluded with a consensus to prepare a State-Level Action Plan, which includes establishing a joint monitoring mechanism between NCPCR and APSCPCR, capacity-building training for frontline staff, State-wide awareness drives, and setting up 24×7 child grievance reporting systems across districts.