Child Rights Commission holds consultative programme in West Sikkim

GANGTOK, 25 Nov: “Police personnel are the arms of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights [SCPCR]  while the support of NGOs, officials of the line departments like HRDD, Health, Labour, SJE&WD and every citizen also plays an important role in ensuring the safety and protection of the children of Sikkim,” said Chairperson, SCPCR, Manita Pradhan, in a consultative programme held at the Gram Vikas Kendra of Chongrang under Yuksam Tashiding Constituency on 21 November, informs a press release.
She highlighted the powers and functions of SCPCR which has got quasi-judicial powers and can issue summons and examine cases of crime against children. The Commission has been set up as per the notification of the Government of Sikkim as a nodal body to monitor RTE upto the elementary level, she informed.
She also highlighted the various schemes initiated by the SDF government to enhance the welfare and well-being of children. She urged all present in the programme to monitor the proper implementation of such welfare schemes at the grass-root level so that the target group gets the benefits.
The programme was also addressed by SDPO-Gyalshing, Sonam Doma Bhutia who highlighted the laws for Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, [POCSO], Juvenile Justice Act [2000].
Gram Vikas Adhikari Chongrang, Ugel Kishore Pradhan and Member Zilla Panchayat, Chongrang-Gangyap, Nim Lhamu Bhutia, Commission Members Yangchen Ladingpa, Karma Chuki Bhutia and Nim Choki Bhutia also addressed the programme.
Also present were PI Gyalshing Nakul Pradhan, other police personnel, MO Tashiding, Dr. Prabhat Kumar Rai, teachers, ASHA, Aganwadi Workers, Panchayat Members and local people.
The Commission visited Eklavya Model Residential School at Gangyap, Tashiding. Certain problems regarding hostel and infrastructure were reported for which the Commission will take follow-up action with Principal Secretary, SJE&WD, the release mentions.
On 22 November, the Commission also attended a program on social auditing at Gram Prashashan Kendra Chongrang-Arithang where the Chairperson also addressed the gathering. She highlighted the functions of SCPCR and urged the gathering to monitor all the welfare and beneficiary schemes meant for women and children initiated by SDF Government.
The Chairperson also interacted with the Principal, Phurba T Tsechutharpa who urged the Commission to address certain teething problems faced by the school, the release adds.