ZIRO, Oct 1: A multi-agency child rights awareness programme was organised at Mihin Bagang Govt Secondary School, Hapoli, on Thursday to promote awareness of legal rights, digital safety, child protection and overall well-being among children in Lower Subansiri district.
The programme was organised by the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR) in collaboration with the Lower Subansiri District Administration and the Department of Women and Child Development (WCD) as part of the state’s “28-District Child Rights Outreach, Awareness and Child Welfare Assessment Campaign” under the theme “Know Your Rights – Protect Every Child”.
The programme began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, followed by a welcome address by Deputy Director (ICDS)-cum-District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) Kago Maya Gyati.
Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme, Superintendent of Police Techi Hanyir and APSCPCR Members Niri Chongruju and Taba Champa Riba addressed the gathering and stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among government agencies, schools and communities for effective child protection.
During the technical sessions, the APSCPCR members sensitised students on key provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Right to Education and school safety guidelines. They also discussed mental and emotional well-being and the need for children to stay away from substance abuse.
The Officer-in-Charge of the Women Police Station spoke on online safety, social media misuse, cyberbullying and gaming addiction, while District Labour and Employment Officer N Pugang highlighted the need to prevent child labour and child marriage.
The programme also featured an interactive session during which students and community members raised questions and shared concerns with district officials.
The initiative aimed to equip children, teachers and community members with greater awareness of legal safeguards and available mechanisms for protecting children's rights and welfare. (DIPRO)