News & Announcement
MAYA Initiative Launched to Strengthen Support for Vulnerable Children and Adolescents
Namchi, September 27(IPR): The District Administration Centre, Namchi, officially launched MAYA Guidelines (Mission of Adolescent & Youth Advancement), a district-level framework aimed at the prevention, protection, reintegration and empowerment of vulnerable children and adolescents.
The initiative was officially launched during ‘ UDAAN- The Flight of Creativity, an Inter School Scholastic Festival 2026 at ATTC Bardang, today by the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Mr Prem Singh Golay, in the presence of Minister for Education, Mr Raju Basnet, MLA cum Advisor Mr L B Das, Secretaries, Officers and other dignitaries.
Introducing the initiative, DC Namchi, Ms Anupa Tamling, stated that MAYA has been developed following an in-depth study and assessment of the challenges faced by vulnerable children and adolescents, particularly those who have discontinued their education.
She highlighted that data gathered from various reliable sources indicate the presence of a significant number of underprivileged children and adolescents who are at risk of dropping out of the formal education system. She stated that the initiative has been conceptualised to identify and address such concerns at an early stage, before children become further vulnerable to social and economic hardships.
DC reiterated that the issue of school dropouts requires a coordinated and collective approach involving multiple government departments, institutions, organisations and stakeholders. Through MAYA, the District Administration seeks to strengthen coordination and establish a structured mechanism for identifying vulnerable children, facilitating their protection and reintegration, and creating opportunities for their continued education, development and empowerment.
MAYA is a collaborative initiative of the District Administration, District Health Department, District Education Department, District Skill Development Department and District Child Protection Unit. The framework adopts a comprehensive approach that seeks to move beyond viewing school dropout as an isolated educational concern and instead addresses it as a wider social issue requiring timely intervention, protection and sustained support.
The initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening the district’s efforts to prevent school dropouts at an early stage and promote a safer, more inclusive and supportive environment for children and adolescents.
The initiative was officially launched during ‘ UDAAN- The Flight of Creativity, an Inter School Scholastic Festival 2026 at ATTC Bardang, today by the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Mr Prem Singh Golay, in the presence of Minister for Education, Mr Raju Basnet, MLA cum Advisor Mr L B Das, Secretaries, Officers and other dignitaries.
Introducing the initiative, DC Namchi, Ms Anupa Tamling, stated that MAYA has been developed following an in-depth study and assessment of the challenges faced by vulnerable children and adolescents, particularly those who have discontinued their education.
She highlighted that data gathered from various reliable sources indicate the presence of a significant number of underprivileged children and adolescents who are at risk of dropping out of the formal education system. She stated that the initiative has been conceptualised to identify and address such concerns at an early stage, before children become further vulnerable to social and economic hardships.
DC reiterated that the issue of school dropouts requires a coordinated and collective approach involving multiple government departments, institutions, organisations and stakeholders. Through MAYA, the District Administration seeks to strengthen coordination and establish a structured mechanism for identifying vulnerable children, facilitating their protection and reintegration, and creating opportunities for their continued education, development and empowerment.
MAYA is a collaborative initiative of the District Administration, District Health Department, District Education Department, District Skill Development Department and District Child Protection Unit. The framework adopts a comprehensive approach that seeks to move beyond viewing school dropout as an isolated educational concern and instead addresses it as a wider social issue requiring timely intervention, protection and sustained support.
The initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening the district’s efforts to prevent school dropouts at an early stage and promote a safer, more inclusive and supportive environment for children and adolescents.
