BALEMU, SEP 18:
The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR) conducted an awareness and sensitisation programme on child rights at the border village of Balemu in West Kameng district on Friday.
APSCPCR members Miti Libang and Honluk Lukham presided over the programme. In her keynote address, Libang stressed the overall well-being and protection of children and called for a child-friendly environment at home, schools and public places. She urged all stakeholders to take responsibility for protecting child rights.
Lukham said the programme was organised at Balemu to strengthen the commission’s outreach to remote and border areas. He sensitised participants on the Right to Education, bullying in schools and the roles and responsibilities of teachers and caregivers.
West Kameng Deputy Director, Women and Child Development Department, R.T. Deru highlighted issues including drug abuse, child labour and early marriage in the district and outlined departmental efforts to address them.
Rinchin Megegee, Protection Officer, District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Bomdila, spoke on juvenile justice and child labour laws and briefed participants on institutional mechanisms including the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and DCPU for protection of child rights.
Clinic Psychologist at General Hospital Bomdila Kenju Pakam spoke on children’s mental health, emotional well-being and substance abuse. She urged parents to identify early signs of mental health concerns and shared relevant helpline numbers.
CWC member advocate Ajit Sasusow explained provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, while Balemu Police Station Officer-in-Charge Leiki Norbu sensitised participants on digital child protection, online safety and online gaming addiction. He also cautioned the public about the prevalence of online scams.
Balemu Assistant Commissioner Dr Hage Atho said the district administration was taking proactive measures against the drug menace and appealed to the public to cooperate in creating a safer environment for children.
On the occasion, Kalaktang Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) D.K. Thungon launched ‘Poshan Connect’, a nutrition-exchange initiative under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Project Kalaktang. He said the initiative seeks to promote the exchange of food, home-grown fruits and vegetables among community members, drawing on traditional practices of tribal communities to improve nutrition and strengthen social harmony.
The initiative will be carried out by field functionaries during Poshan Maah celebrations. To mark its launch, apples from Shergaon were distributed among guests and participants.
Heads of departments in Balemu circle, PRI members, Gaon Buras, government and private school teachers, BRO personnel, ASHAs, Anganwadi workers, supervisors and Gramsevikas attended the programme.
