Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd) on Saturday called for a shift from a complaint-based system to a preventive child protection framework, stressing the need for early identification of vulnerable children and stronger action against child abuse, trafficking, child labour, substance abuse, school dropouts, child marriage and cyber exploitation.
ITANAGAR — Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd) on Saturday called for a shift from a complaint-based system to a preventive child protection framework, stressing the need for early identification of vulnerable children and stronger action against child abuse, trafficking, child labour, substance abuse, school dropouts, child marriage and cyber exploitation.
The governor also expressed concern over the growing number of cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the low rate of prosecution in the state, while calling for stricter monitoring of child care institutions and effective implementation of child protection laws.
Parnaik said this when the Chairperson of the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR) Ratan Anya, along with members of the Commission, called on him at Lok Bhavan here, an official statement said.
During the meeting, the chairperson briefed the governor about the outcome of the two-day North East SCPCRs convention on child rights, held in Tawang on July 31 and August 1.
The convention brought together child rights institutions from across the northeastern states to discuss emerging challenges, best practices and ways to work together for the protection and welfare of children.
Appreciating the initiative, Parnaik said the well-being of children should be a shared responsibility of both society and the government.
"Every child deserves a safe childhood, quality education, good health, protection from exploitation and equal opportunities to realise his or her potential," he said.
The state Commission, he said, should work as a vigilant watchdog for child rights and also help build a child-friendly Arunachal Pradesh where every child can grow with dignity, security, confidence and hope.
The governor urged the Commission to strengthen monitoring at the district level and maintain close coordination with schools, anganwadi centres, law enforcement agencies, health departments and community organisations to identify children in distress at an early stage.
The governor further emphasised strict implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act, the POCSO Act and the Right to Education Act to ensure the safety, education and protection of every child. He said periodic reviews and independent assessments would help improve accountability and address gaps in the system.
Highlighting the growing social and digital challenges faced by children, Parnaik called for a broad-based Child Rights Awareness Movement across the state.
He said the Commission should launch a statewide child rights literacy campaign involving educational institutions, panchayati raj bodies, religious leaders, youth organisations, civil society groups and the media.
Awareness programmes on child protection laws, online safety, mental health, counselling services and reporting mechanisms should reach every village and urban area, he added.
The chairperson assured him that the Commission would work towards implementing his suggestions to create a safer, more inclusive and child-friendly environment in the state.
APSCPCR members Niri Chongrowju, Honluk Lukham and Ngurang Achung, along with member secretary Yakar Dawe, accompanied the chairperson during the meeting.