Chandel, September 11: The District Administration Chandel and District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) Chandel, in collaboration with the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) Chandel, launched a two-day advocacy and awareness programme on Child Rights and related Acts at the Multipurpose Hall, Mini Secretariat, Chandel on Thursday.
Md. Firoz Khan, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Chandel, attended as Chief Guest, along with ZEO Chandel Hrangbung Starson Anal and CWC Chandel Chairperson Th. Rengthang Wonto as Guests of Honour, while Babuna Dangmei, DCPO Chandel, served as Functional President.
Delivering the keynote address, DCPO Chandel stated that the programme was particularly organised for school teachers and faculty members, as they play an important role in upbringing and reforming children. He emphasized the need for teachers to have a proper understanding of Child Rights to ensure a safe environment for children. He also highlighted related schemes and programmes, such as Mission Vatsalya, and stressed the principle of innocence, reminding everyone to deal with children with love and care.
ZEO Chandel Hrangbung Starson Anal noted that irrespective of a child’s background or social status, their rights should be respected and protected. He added that teachers and educators should be aware of the Acts and laws related to Child Rights and serve as role models in implementing them for the welfare of children.
ADM Chandel Md. Firoz Khan emphasized that children are the future of the nation and therefore need to be brought up rightly. He mentioned four comprehensive Acts related to child protection and welfare that aim to overcome various hindrances in their lives. To implement these Acts and laws effectively, the District Administration collaborated with the DCPU to organize a two-day training programme for school administrators, teachers, and community leaders, including chiefs and village authorities. He urged the participants to maximize their learning from the resource persons and ask questions to clarify any doubts they may have.
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The programme included technical sessions on key legislations such as the Juvenile Justice Act, Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, and POCSO Act, deliberated by Th. Rengthang Wonto, CWC Chandel Chairperson, Khaidem Premjit Singh, Legal-cum-PO, DCPU Chandel, and Darngam Khaling, Member Secretary, CWC Tengnoupal, respectively. An open discussion with experts followed, with active participation from school teachers, principals, and NGO representatives.