Commission reiterates commitment to Protection of Child Rights

The Sikkim State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the Social Welfare Department have reiterated that both remain “equally concerned” with the number of cases that are being reported on sexual abuse of the children in the State. This reiteration clearly in light of recent cases of child abuse reported in the State, including one in which a headmaster of a government school has been so accused.

A recent SSCPCR press communiqué states that earlier, such cases remained largely unreported “due to ignorance of the people”, and that now “due to the awareness provided by the Social Justice, Empowerment and Welfare Department and the Child Rights Commission in regard to the implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012 in the State”, more cases are being reported to the police.

“Our Department and Child Rights Commission immediately depute social workers for fact finding and also assist the victim for medical examination, counselling and also in registering First Information Report. The Investigating Officers are directed to fast track the investigation in order to file the charge sheet before the court for speedy justice. Moreover the SJE&WD has come up with a new scheme of providing immediate financial relief to the victim,” the press release explains

The social workers deputed by the Social Welfare Department conduct home visits, follow up cases, provide counselling and also assist in seeking free legal aid services, the release adds. In order to provide immediate social assistance, eight service providers [“who are local NGOs”] have been appointed across the State in addition to 4 counsellors. Their contact details have been provided to the police stations. 

The release goes on to contend that there have been instances when parents have refused to lodge formal police complaints and that in such cases, the Child Rights Commission has taken suo motto action and filed cases before the Court. “We have also requested HRDD to put a check on the number of teachers who are on long term medical treatment for depression and psychological disbalance,” the release further details.

The Social Welfare Department has also appealed to all registered NGOs “to come forward to help us to curb this evil in our society as it is a collective effort”.

Meanwhile, in the event of any case of abuse of children, the following can be directly informed for speedy social assistance.  

1.   Service Provider, Rongli : 8116310643

2.   Service Provider, Pakyong: 9733062333

3.   Service Provider, Mangan: 9002007539

4.   Service Provider, Gangtok: 9434408222

5.   Service Provider, Gyalshing :9734055728

6.   Service Provider, Namchi :7872980301

7.   Service Provider, Ravangla :9933453864

8.   Social Worker, Rongpo :9933759567

9.   Sikkim State Commission for Protection of Child Rights : 03592- 208217/ 8016881868

10.        Yousa Lachenpa, Legal Officer, 9800102548.