NSCPCR highlights gaps in facilities for vulnerable children

DIMAPUR, SEP 24 (NPN): Nagaland State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NSCPCR) has highlighted inadequate infrastructure and facilities for children requiring care and protection, along with shortages of members and regular staff, as key challenges to effective child protection in the state.
According to a Lok Bhavan statement, the commission members raised the issues during a review meeting with Nagaland governor Nand Kishore Yadav at Lok Bhavan, Kohima, on Thursday.
The commission said infrastructure gaps were particularly affecting children with mental health concerns, substance abuse issues and disabilities.
NSCPCR also called for additional members and regular staff, as well as enhanced grant-in-aid, to enable it to carry out its functions and activities more effectively.
Presenting an overview of its work since 2023, NSCPCR said it had monitored the implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act, the POCSO Act, the Right to Education Act and the Child and Adolescent Labour Act across Nagaland.
It said regular awareness programmes had been conducted with tribal bodies, village councils, schools and district authorities, while inspections were carried out at child care institutions, observation homes, special homes and schools.
Further, the commission said it also facilitated coordination among the police, judiciary, social welfare, health, education and labour departments as well as NGOs, and has conducted training for police personnel on the Juvenile Justice and POCSO Acts.
Other initiatives included media workshops on child-friendly reporting, radio and Doordarshan programmes on child rights, and efforts to incorporate provisions of the Juvenile Justice and POCSO Acts into the curriculum of the Nagaland Police Training School.
The commission said it plans to promote child-friendly rooms in courts and police stations and to continue awareness, sensitisation and capacity-building programmes across all districts, with particular focus on substance abuse prevention, child trafficking and exploitation, online safety and children with disabilities. The review meeting assessed the commission’s ongoing efforts, challenges and future priorities towards strengthening child protection mechanisms and promoting the rights and welfare of children in Nagaland.