Press Release
Press release from District Child Protection Unit, Gyalshing
Information & Public Relations Department
DCPU Gyalshing Conducts Awareness Programme on Child Rights and Welfare Schemes.
Gyalshing,February 23:The District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), under the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, successfully organised a day-long awareness and sensitization programme at Sopakha Secondary School, under Gyalshing District,today.
The programme aimed to create awareness about child rights, child protection laws, and government welfare schemes among students and teachers. The event witnessed active participation from the school community and focused on building a safer and more informed environment for children.
Key Highlights of the Programme:
1. Mission Vatsalya & Adoption:
Mr Sanjay Subba, Social Worker, DCPU, explained the Mission Vatsalya Scheme, a flagship child protection initiative of the Government of India. He described two main types of care:
Institutional Care: Children’s Homes, Open Shelters, and Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAA).
Non-Institutional Care: Foster Care and Aftercare support for children moving towards independent adulthood.
He also provided clear information about the legal adoption process and stressed the importance of following guidelines issued by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) to ensure safe and lawful adoption.
2. Juvenile Justice Act & Child Helpline 1098:
Ms Ushnata Gajmer, Project Coordinator- Child Helpline, spoke about the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. She explained the difference between:
CNCP: Children in Need of Care and Protection
CCL: Children in Conflict with the Law
She also discussed serious issues like child labour and child marriage, referring to the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act.
A key part of her session focused on Child Helpline 1098, explaining how children or concerned citizens can call the toll-free number to report cases and how immediate action is taken to protect the child.
3. POCSO Act & Sponsorship Scheme:
Mr Mahadeo Sharma, Counsellor, DCPU, conducted an informative session on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act). He highlighted the importance of awareness about “Safe Touch” and encouraged students to speak up against abuse.
He also addressed the growing concern of substance abuse among youth and discussed the Sponsorship Scheme, which provides financial assistance to families in need. The scheme ensures that children can continue their education and stay with their families instead of being placed in institutions.
4. Role of Child Welfare Committee (CWC):
Ms Roja Rai, Member of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), was also present at the programme. She explained the role and functions of the CWC in protecting and rehabilitating children in need. She further elaborated on sponsorship support and emphasised the important role teachers play in identifying and supporting vulnerable children. She encouraged teachers to stay actively engaged with every student.
The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing students and teachers to clarify their doubts. A heartfelt vote of thanks was delivered by Mr Mahadeo Sharma.
The District Child Protection Unit, Gyalshing, reaffirmed its commitment to building a child-friendly district through continuous awareness programmes and community engagement.
Gyalshing,February 23:The District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), under the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, successfully organised a day-long awareness and sensitization programme at Sopakha Secondary School, under Gyalshing District,today.
The programme aimed to create awareness about child rights, child protection laws, and government welfare schemes among students and teachers. The event witnessed active participation from the school community and focused on building a safer and more informed environment for children.
Key Highlights of the Programme:
1. Mission Vatsalya & Adoption:
Mr Sanjay Subba, Social Worker, DCPU, explained the Mission Vatsalya Scheme, a flagship child protection initiative of the Government of India. He described two main types of care:
Institutional Care: Children’s Homes, Open Shelters, and Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAA).
Non-Institutional Care: Foster Care and Aftercare support for children moving towards independent adulthood.
He also provided clear information about the legal adoption process and stressed the importance of following guidelines issued by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) to ensure safe and lawful adoption.
2. Juvenile Justice Act & Child Helpline 1098:
Ms Ushnata Gajmer, Project Coordinator- Child Helpline, spoke about the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. She explained the difference between:
CNCP: Children in Need of Care and Protection
CCL: Children in Conflict with the Law
She also discussed serious issues like child labour and child marriage, referring to the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act.
A key part of her session focused on Child Helpline 1098, explaining how children or concerned citizens can call the toll-free number to report cases and how immediate action is taken to protect the child.
3. POCSO Act & Sponsorship Scheme:
Mr Mahadeo Sharma, Counsellor, DCPU, conducted an informative session on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act). He highlighted the importance of awareness about “Safe Touch” and encouraged students to speak up against abuse.
He also addressed the growing concern of substance abuse among youth and discussed the Sponsorship Scheme, which provides financial assistance to families in need. The scheme ensures that children can continue their education and stay with their families instead of being placed in institutions.
4. Role of Child Welfare Committee (CWC):
Ms Roja Rai, Member of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), was also present at the programme. She explained the role and functions of the CWC in protecting and rehabilitating children in need. She further elaborated on sponsorship support and emphasised the important role teachers play in identifying and supporting vulnerable children. She encouraged teachers to stay actively engaged with every student.
The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing students and teachers to clarify their doubts. A heartfelt vote of thanks was delivered by Mr Mahadeo Sharma.
The District Child Protection Unit, Gyalshing, reaffirmed its commitment to building a child-friendly district through continuous awareness programmes and community engagement.