Child Protection Committee set up in Ward 9 Dimapur

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, a Ward Level Child Protection Committee (WCPC) was constituted under Ward-9, Dimapur, following a meeting convened by Ward 9 DMC councillor, Lanutoshi S Yaden, on Monday.
It may be mentioned that WCPC is not a direct mandate of a single central law but a component of state-level implementation of broader national policies and schemes, such as Mission Vatsalya, through directives from the Ministry of Women and Child Development and state governments.
The meeting, attended by colony/village council members and GBs under Ward 9, Child Welfare Committee (CWC), District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Childline and other stakeholders, deliberated on the need for a community-based mechanism to safeguard children.
Welcoming the gathering, Lanutoshi Yaden said the recent sexual assault cases had underscored the urgency to establish a Ward Level CPC. Though none of the wards in Dimapur had such a committee till now, he stressed the need for collective responsibility to protect and promote the wellbeing of children.
CWC member, Loza, pointed out that Dimapur alone records 300–400 child-related cases annually, which she described as a “deeply concerning figure”. She highlighted challenges faced by Childline, adding that many cases were “compromised in the name of God” instead of being pursued legally. She cited disturbing cases of sodomisation in schools and illegal adoptions, and reminded that child safety was a shared responsibility. She also dwelt on the POCSO Act, describing it as one of the strongest legislations for child protection, where an accused is presumed guilty unless proven innocent.
Director of Prodigals’ Home, Ela, welcomed the formation of the committee as a much-needed step and encouraged other ward councillors to follow suit.
PO, DCPU, Esther Sumi, lauded the initiative and assured full cooperation from DCPU and CWC. She explained that the unit handles children in need of care and protection, and children in conflict with the law, and supports children through sponsorship, adoption, foster care and after-care programmes etc.
Others who spoke included Legal cum Probation Officer Moajungla, CWC member Vikheho Chisho, Childline worker Jolly Rolnu among others.
Representatives from the five colonies under Ward 9 extended their support to assist in constituting and strengthening the WLCPC. Accordingly, it was decided that each colony would have two representatives each in the committee.
The programme was chaired by CWC Dimapur chairperson Moamenla Yaden. Earlier, invocation was pronounced by Supply Colony GB H Yenito Swu. It may be noted that, according to the State Child Protection Society, Department of Social Welfare, every village/ward is mandated to have a VLCPC/WLCPC comprising 7–8 members, including two child representatives, with the Village/Ward chairman as chairperson and a DCPU representative as member secretary.