ZIRO, OCT 1:

The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR), in collaboration with the district administration and Department of Women & Child Development (WCD), conducted a child rights awareness programme at Mihin Bagang Government Secondary School, Hapoli, on Thursday.

The programme was organised under the state’s “28-District Child Rights Outreach, Awareness and Child Welfare Assessment Campaign” with the theme “Know Your Rights – Protect Every Child”.

Deputy Director (ICDS)-cum-District Child Protection Officer Kago Maya Gyati welcomed the participants. Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme, Superintendent of Police Techi Hanyir and APSCPCR members Niri Chongruju and Taba Champa Riba addressed the gathering and emphasised the need for coordinated efforts to safeguard children.

APSCPCR members conducted sessions on key legal protections under the Juvenile Justice Act, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Right to Education, besides school safety guidelines. Students were also sensitised on emotional well-being, mental health and prevention of 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 included an interactive session during which students and community members raised questions and shared concerns with district officials.

The programme concluded with participants gaining greater awareness of child rights, legal safeguards, online safety and mechanisms for protecting children.