YINGKIONG, Oct 15: The Department of Women and Child Development, Upper Siang district in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR) conducted a two-day Child Rights Awareness and Community Sensitisation Programme at Tuting on October 12 and 13 under the theme “Know Your Rights – Protect Every Child.”
The programme was attended by APSCPCR members Honluk Lukham and Miti Libang, along with local officials, PRI members, community leaders, police personnel, health officials, teachers, students and representatives of women’s groups and SHGs. Nearly 150 participants took part.
Sessions covered child protection laws, including the Juvenile Justice and POCSO Acts, prevention of child labour and child marriage, mental health, online gaming addiction, substance abuse, education, school safety, bullying and child protection.
On October 13, the APSCPCR team visited schools and Anganwadi Centres in Tuting and Gelling, interacting with teachers, students, PRI members, villagers and Anganwadi workers to assess child welfare issues and service delivery. The team also visited Kopu village, where discussions were held with PRI members, GBs, Anganwadi Workers, Anganwadi Helpers and villagers on matters concerning children and community welfare.
As part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, five fruit-bearing saplings were planted at Kopu Gompa. The team also interacted with the Women Welfare Society and SHGs, who raised concerns about drug-related problems, women’s issues, domestic concerns and child-related cases. They called for the establishment of a One Stop Centre and Child Care Institution in Tuting Sub-Division.
The campaign strengthened community awareness, identified grassroots concerns and reaffirmed the need for coordinated efforts to protect the rights, safety and welfare of children in Upper Siang district. (DIPRO)