NCPCR holds State-level conference on child rights issues in Gangtok

GANGTOK, (IPR): National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) organised a one day State-level conference on key child rights issues in collaboration with Women, Child, Senior Citizen & Divyangjan Welfare department, at Chintan Bhawan today.

Secretary, Women, Child, Senior Citizen & Divyangjan Welfare separtment, Normit Lepcha, in her address, highlighted that the judiciary has shown keen interest in monitoring and ensuring compliance with issues related to child rights and protection.

Acknowledging the presence of participants actively engaged in the field of child rights, she noted that the State continues to face several challenges requiring constant attention and collaborative efforts.

She expressed that the technical session during the programme would greatly benefit all participants, empowering them with valuable knowledge and insights to further strengthen their efforts in ensuring the rights, safety, and well-being of children.

Furthermore, chairperson, Sikkim SCPCR, Deepa Khatri, expressed her gratitude to the NCPCR for organising the programme in Sikkim this year.

She noted that Sikkim has not faced challenges as severe as in many other parts of the country, owing to the government’s prompt and effective action in matters related to child rights. Issues such as child labour and sexual offences against children have always been treated with utmost priority, ensuring that such concerns are resolved efficiently and do not escalate further.  

Earlier, the joint secretary-cum-programme manager, Women, Child, Senior Citizen & Divyangjan Welfare department, Manisha Cintury, delivered the welcome address, extending a warm welcome to all the senior officials and dignitaries present at the programme.

Subsequently, addressing the programme, Senior Technical Expert- Division Head, Juvenile Justice, law relating children, North East and Special Cells of NCPCR, Paresh Shah, elaborated that NCPCR was established in March 2007 under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005. It is a statutory body that was set up to protect and promote child rights in India.

Similarly, he underscored a few initiatives undertaken by the NCPCR. The commission constantly strives to leverage advanced technological tools to make its work more transparent, efficient, and child-centered.

The NCPCR in collaboration with the Education department and other stakeholders, has been addressing critical issues in the education sector. They are organizing State-level workshops on education, juvenile justice, and the protection of children from sexual offences, ensuring that these conversations lead to concrete action.

During the programme, a technical session was held where various speakers presented and discussed various impactful topics.

DCPO, Namchi, Pema Wangmu Lepcha, and DCPO, Mangan, Wendy M Lepcha, respectively, spoke on the topic, ‘Issues and Gaps in Implementation of the POCSO Act, 2012.’

Similarly, JJ, LRC, NE and Special Cells of NCPCR, Paresh Shah gave a presentation on the topic ‘Safety & Security of Children in School.’

Furthermore, deputy SP, AHTU, Chezum Lepcha, and Paresh Shah, put forth issues related to prevention of child trafficking.

Thereafter, an open house discussion was held on challenges faced by the line department with regard to the topics presented, under the supervision of the NCPCR.

The conference also saw the attendance of District Collector, Gangtok, Tushar G. Nikhare, along with officials from the Sikkim Police, State Commission and Education department.