Nagaland State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NSCPCR) in collaboration with the District Child Protection Unit, Chumoukedima organised a One-day Awareness programme on Child Rights & Child Protection on 30th September, 2025 at DC Conference Hall, Chumoukedima.
Deputy Commissioner, Chumoukedima, Polan John, NCS, in his address thanked the Commission for coming to Chumoukedima District and addressing the issues. He stated that, the awareness of basic child rights is a crucial program, if we really want to take care of our children then we need to protect them, every individual needs to be conscious about exploitation and the realms of taking care of the children in our society and needs to go towards eliminating the problem. He mentioned that the issues of exploitation are rising alarmingly and as reported, Dimapur and Chumoukedima are the places with the highest cases. The protection of children and providing for their dear & needs has become so important that the Government has institutionalised not only Juvenile board members but also Institute commission members.
He mentioned that, these mechanisms are in place to take care of their needs, to protect them and give justice, however, it's the community and all stakeholders in different sections of society to be aware of these aspects to ensure that rights are protected. He informed that, the Government has not only set up an institutionalised mechanism but also has set up a commission at the national level and in all the States and the Commission for protection of child rights ponder all these aspects with the DCP, District administration, CWC, and Police on their duties and status report and give guidance. He also highlighted on the basic instructions set up by the Commission.
In conclusion, he said that efforts should be made by every individual to ensure the safety, well-being and rights of the children.
Chairman, NSCPCR, Alun Hangsing in his keynote address stated that children are the backbone of the nation and the most important asset for developing a State or country. Everyone should understand that children have inherent rights to health, education and safety and as stakeholders, it is a collective responsibility to safeguard them from abuse, neglect and exploitation through laws, policies and community action. He also urged the individual to ponder how far they have taken responsibility to protect children's rights.
He highlighted that in 2013, Nagaland had passed this Act but such crime still exists due to ignorance of the law and policy.
If we want a future generation to be bright and safe then everyone should take equal responsibility in creating a safer environment now, he said. He stated that one of the critical components to consider in the success of an advocacy or awareness campaign is the participation of the individuals in the community. It is not only the responsibility of the government or administration but it involves stakeholders who will drive the change process.
He also pointed out that with the advancement of technology, social networks are today a significant voice for basic child rights. The application of technology can go further in advancing the cause of advocacy, enhancing digital awareness, developing safe websites for children, and using data analytics will help in strengthen awareness about communication.
Resource persons from NSCPCR, delivered a detailed presentation on various topics. Lichani Murry, Legal Consultant delivered on the topics namely Overview on the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of children) Act highlighting on Adoption Rules; Member, NSCPCR, Aying Wangsha, On Rights of children about Education vis-a - vis Right to Education (RTE) with emphasis on Child labour; Member NSCPCR, Akumla Longchari, On Understanding and Strengthening the POCSO Act: Towards a safer Future for Children. While a brief report on child-related cases in the district was delivered by DCPO, Chumoukedima, Nikito Zhimomi.
(Tovikali, IA, Chumoukedima)
