The District Administration Chandel and District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) Chandel, in collaboration with the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) Chandel, on Thursday launched a two-day advocacy and awareness programme on Child Rights and related Acts at the Multipurpose Hall, Mini Secretariat, Chandel.
The inaugural programme was attended by Md. Firoz Khan, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Chandel, as Chief Guest, with ZEO Chandel Hrangbung Starson Anal and CWC Chandel Chairperson Th. Rengthang Wonto as Guests of Honour. Babuna Dangmei, DCPO Chandel, presided as Functional President.
Delivering the keynote address, DCPO Babuna Dangmei said the programme was specially designed for school teachers and faculty members, who play a critical role in shaping and reforming children. He underlined the importance of educators having a sound understanding of child rights to ensure a safe and nurturing environment. He also highlighted various government schemes, including Mission Vatsalya, and urged participants to uphold the principle of innocence and treat children with love and care.
ZEO Chandel Hrangbung Starson Anal stressed that a child’s rights must be respected regardless of background or social status. He called upon teachers to be well-versed in child rights laws and to act as role models in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
In his address, ADC Chandel Md. Firoz Khan described children as the future of the nation and emphasized the importance of bringing them up in the right way. He outlined four major child protection and welfare legislations designed to remove obstacles in children’s lives. Highlighting the collaboration between the District Administration and DCPU, he said the training aims to equip school administrators, teachers, and community leaders — including chiefs and village authorities — with the knowledge needed to effectively implement these laws. He encouraged participants to engage actively and clear their doubts during the sessions.
The programme featured technical sessions on key legislations such as the Juvenile Justice Act, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, and the POCSO Act. These were deliberated by Th. Rengthang Wonto, CWC Chandel Chairperson; Khaidem Premjit Singh, Legal-cum-PO, DCPU Chandel; and Darngam Khaling, Member Secretary, CWC Tengnoupal. An open discussion followed, with active participation from teachers, principals, and NGO representatives.
