YACHULI, OCT 16:
The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR), in collaboration with the Department of Women and Child Development, Keyi Panyor district, organised an awareness-cum-mass sensitisation programme on “Know Your Rights – Protect Every Child” at the community hall of St John Bosco School, Yachuli, on Friday.
The programme was attended by Zilla Parishad Chairperson Nabam Piju, Yachuli Assistant Commissioner Dr Mumne Borang, Yachuli Zilla Parishad Member Toko Chada, Pistana ZPM Likha Teti, Paramputu ZPM Khoda Lelu, Keyi Panyor District Students’ Union president Taba Doni, heads of departments, police personnel, members of the legal fraternity, gaon buras, community-based organisations and community representatives.
Welcoming the dignitaries and participants, Keyi Panyor Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) Taba Anu called for active participation in the session and stressed that child rights and protection should be treated not merely as matters of awareness but as a collective moral responsibility.
APSCPCR members Niri Chongrowju and Taba Champa presided over the programme. In his keynote address, Chongrowju emphasised the overall well-being of children and the protection of their rights, highlighting various laws and legal provisions concerning children.
Zilla Parishad Chairperson Nabam Piju stressed the need to create child-friendly environments at home, in schools and in public places. She urged community leaders and frontline workers to make child protection a collective movement.
Yachuli Assistant Commissioner Dr Mumne Borang said the district administration was committed to protecting children’s rights and addressing discrimination against them. She also assured the commission of efforts to make Keyi Panyor a child-friendly district.
Advocate Nani Talley, a Legal Aid Counsel associated with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Ziro, explained legal provisions relating to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, child marriage and child labour.
Sub-Inspector Padi Tado highlighted online safety, misuse of social media, cyberbullying and internet gaming addiction among children. He urged communities to work together to address the harmful effects of social media misuse.
Advocate Subu Ampi, also a Legal Aid Counsel with DLSA, Ziro, spoke on the Right to Education (RTE) Act, school safety and bullying.
APSCPCR member Taba Champa addressed concerns relating to children’s mental and emotional health, drug and substance abuse, and issues that often go unnoticed by parents, teachers and communities. She stressed the importance of emotional attentiveness and providing children with a safe environment for their holistic development.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by St John Bosco School, Yachuli, principal Varghese Philip, who urged participants to make child rights and protection a personal responsibility in building a better society.
