TAWANG, Sep 21: A comprehensive awareness programme under the Statewide Child Rights Outreach, Awareness and Child Welfare Assessment Campaign–2026, themed ‘Know Your Rights – Protect Every Child’ was conducted today at Karma Wangchu convention hall, Lungla, aimed at strengthening community awareness and collective responsibility towards the protection, safety and well-being of children.
The event, organized by the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR), brought together representatives of the Lungla administration, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Gaon Burahs, Education Department, Anganwadi Workers and Helpers, school authorities and other stakeholders.
Speaking as chief guest on the occasion, Additional Deputy Commissioner Lungla Tashi Dhondup emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among government departments, schools, community leaders and parents in safeguarding the rights and welfare of children.
Member APSCPCR Honluk Lukham highlighted child rights and the crucial role of families, schools, community institutions and local leaders in creating a safe and supportive environment for every child.
The technical sessions covered a wide range of issues directly affecting children. Adv. Sonam Zangmu, OSC Tawang, spoke on the POCSO Act and child marriage, while APSCPCR Member Lukham addressed issues relating to the Right to Education, school safety, bullying and child protection.
Tenzin Dolma, Counsellor, KDS District Hospital Tawang, deliberated on the mental health and emotional well-being of children.
Sub Inspector Ajati Mimi, OC PS Lungla, sensitized participants on online safety, misuse of social media, cyberbullying, internet use, online gaming addiction, and drugs and substance abuse.
Adv Thinley Norbu, JJB, spoke on the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
An interactive session provided participants an opportunity to raise questions, share experiences and discuss concerns related to child protection at the grassroots level. The deliberations stressed that protecting children cannot remain the responsibility of any single department or institution, but requires the active involvement of families, schools, communities, Panchayats, law-enforcement agencies and society as a whole.
The programme concluded with key messages and a way forward towards strengthening child-friendly and protective mechanisms at the community level.
The campaign carried a clear message to all stakeholders: knowing the rights of children is the first step, but protecting and upholding those rights through collective action is the responsibility of everyone.