News & Announcement
District-Level Awareness Workshop on Child Rights Continues in Mangan
Mangan, March 11 (IPR): A District-Level One Day Workshop on Child Rights and Child Related Legislations, organised by the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Mangan District, under Mission Vatsalya of the Women, Child, Senior Citizen & Divyangjan Welfare Department, was held at the DAC Hall, Mangan today.
The workshop aimed to enhance awareness and strengthen understanding of child protection mechanisms and the various legal provisions related to child rights among stakeholders.
The programme was attended by ADC Mangan, Mr Pema Wangchen Namkarpa, ASP Mangan, Mr Bijoy Subba, District Child Protection Officer, Ms Wendy M. Lepcha, and ASHA health Workers.
The programme began with a welcome speech by Mr Laden Lepcha, a social worker at the Child Care Institute (CCI), Mangan.
Mr Pema Wangchen Namkarpa, in his address, briefly appreciated and praised the dedicated efforts of ASHA health workers in the community. He emphasised that ASHA workers not only provide care for their own children but also extend the same care, concern and responsibility towards other children in the community as if they were their own. Highlighting the increasing number of POCSO cases, he stressed that the protection and safety of the girl child is not solely the responsibility of the government but a collective duty of society. He further urged the community, especially ASHA health workers, to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding children and promoting their well-being.
Mr Bijoy Subba, in his address, briefly explained the provisions and seriousness of the POCSO Act. He highlighted that many people often attempt to settle such sensitive matters privately. He stressed that POCSO cases are extremely serious and should never be handled informally. He urged that whenever such incidents occur, the matter should be immediately reported to the police so that the concerned department can follow the proper legal procedures and take necessary action.
He also spoke about various child-related legislations, including the Child Rights Act, the Juvenile Justice Act and issues related to drug abuse, emphasising the importance of awareness and timely intervention to protect children and ensure their safety and well-being.
DRCHO Dr Tshering Zomba Lachenpa delivered a detailed presentation on the HPV vaccination programme. She explained that the vaccine is recommended for children aged 14 years and that those above 14 should receive the vaccine before crossing 15 years of age to ensure effective protection. She also reassured the participants that the vaccine does not have any severe side effects and that only minor symptoms such as mild fever, may occur in some cases after vaccination. She emphasised the importance of vaccination in protecting children and promoting long-term health.
Following this, a fun and interactive game session was later conducted, allowing participants to relax and actively engage with one another. The session created a lively atmosphere and encouraged participation among the attendees.
Ms Wendy Mair Lepcha delivered a detailed presentation on child-related legislations and the services provided under the Mission Vatsalya Scheme of the WCSC & DWD. She elaborated on the adoption process, explaining that in cases where a biological mother is unable or unwilling to keep the child, the department facilitates a proper and legal adoption process to ensure the child receives a safe and supportive family environment. She particularly highlighted cases of teenage pregnancy and informed that necessary care, support and rehabilitation services are provided through ICPS.
She also spoke about foster care, stating that relatives are also eligible to adopt and provide a nurturing environment for the child. Additionally, she discussed the role of special schools for children in need of care and protection. During her presentation, she further emphasised the legal age of marriage, the seriousness of POCSO cases, and issues related to child labour, stressing the importance of awareness and strict adherence to child protection laws to safeguard the rights and well being of children.
Coordinator of DCHL, Mangan, Mr Bhuwan Rai, screened a short video highlighting the issue of child labour and its impact on children’s lives. Following the video, he briefed the participants about the services provided by the Child Helpline, including the toll-free helpline number 1098. He explained how the helpline functions to rescue, support and protect children in distress. He further informed the participants that the helpline provides immediate assistance, guidance, and intervention for children facing abuse, exploitation, neglect, child labour, or any form of crisis.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Social Worker Ms Bimla Rai.
The workshop aimed to enhance awareness and strengthen understanding of child protection mechanisms and the various legal provisions related to child rights among stakeholders.
The programme was attended by ADC Mangan, Mr Pema Wangchen Namkarpa, ASP Mangan, Mr Bijoy Subba, District Child Protection Officer, Ms Wendy M. Lepcha, and ASHA health Workers.
The programme began with a welcome speech by Mr Laden Lepcha, a social worker at the Child Care Institute (CCI), Mangan.
Mr Pema Wangchen Namkarpa, in his address, briefly appreciated and praised the dedicated efforts of ASHA health workers in the community. He emphasised that ASHA workers not only provide care for their own children but also extend the same care, concern and responsibility towards other children in the community as if they were their own. Highlighting the increasing number of POCSO cases, he stressed that the protection and safety of the girl child is not solely the responsibility of the government but a collective duty of society. He further urged the community, especially ASHA health workers, to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding children and promoting their well-being.
Mr Bijoy Subba, in his address, briefly explained the provisions and seriousness of the POCSO Act. He highlighted that many people often attempt to settle such sensitive matters privately. He stressed that POCSO cases are extremely serious and should never be handled informally. He urged that whenever such incidents occur, the matter should be immediately reported to the police so that the concerned department can follow the proper legal procedures and take necessary action.
He also spoke about various child-related legislations, including the Child Rights Act, the Juvenile Justice Act and issues related to drug abuse, emphasising the importance of awareness and timely intervention to protect children and ensure their safety and well-being.
DRCHO Dr Tshering Zomba Lachenpa delivered a detailed presentation on the HPV vaccination programme. She explained that the vaccine is recommended for children aged 14 years and that those above 14 should receive the vaccine before crossing 15 years of age to ensure effective protection. She also reassured the participants that the vaccine does not have any severe side effects and that only minor symptoms such as mild fever, may occur in some cases after vaccination. She emphasised the importance of vaccination in protecting children and promoting long-term health.
Following this, a fun and interactive game session was later conducted, allowing participants to relax and actively engage with one another. The session created a lively atmosphere and encouraged participation among the attendees.
Ms Wendy Mair Lepcha delivered a detailed presentation on child-related legislations and the services provided under the Mission Vatsalya Scheme of the WCSC & DWD. She elaborated on the adoption process, explaining that in cases where a biological mother is unable or unwilling to keep the child, the department facilitates a proper and legal adoption process to ensure the child receives a safe and supportive family environment. She particularly highlighted cases of teenage pregnancy and informed that necessary care, support and rehabilitation services are provided through ICPS.
She also spoke about foster care, stating that relatives are also eligible to adopt and provide a nurturing environment for the child. Additionally, she discussed the role of special schools for children in need of care and protection. During her presentation, she further emphasised the legal age of marriage, the seriousness of POCSO cases, and issues related to child labour, stressing the importance of awareness and strict adherence to child protection laws to safeguard the rights and well being of children.
Coordinator of DCHL, Mangan, Mr Bhuwan Rai, screened a short video highlighting the issue of child labour and its impact on children’s lives. Following the video, he briefed the participants about the services provided by the Child Helpline, including the toll-free helpline number 1098. He explained how the helpline functions to rescue, support and protect children in distress. He further informed the participants that the helpline provides immediate assistance, guidance, and intervention for children facing abuse, exploitation, neglect, child labour, or any form of crisis.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Social Worker Ms Bimla Rai.
