Chairman of the Nagaland State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NSCPCR), Alun Hangsing, today reiterated the state’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Speaking at a one-day sensitization programme on Child Rights & Child Protection organized by the Nagaland Police at PHQ, Hangsing said the NSCPCR, established in 2013 under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005, is an autonomous statutory body mandated to monitor and ensure proper implementation of key child rights legislations.
He informed that these include the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2005, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, as well as other laws relating to child trafficking, adoption, marriage, children in street situations, prevention of drug and substance abuse, and protection from exploitation.
He said the Commission is also tasked with reviewing existing laws, policies, and practices to ensure compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. He further explained that the Commission is also mandated to study state policies that have an impact on children, ensuring that such policies are consistent with international standards for the protection of child rights.
He added that the Commission has the authority to undertake formal investigations when concerns are raised either directly by children or through individuals acting on their behalf.
Hangsing stressed that the Government of Nagaland is sincerely implementing legislative provisions to protect child rights and creating a safe and secure environment. He emphasized that the Commission is doing everything within its jurisdiction to streamline these efforts and to raise awareness among citizens about all laws concerning child rights.
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He highlighted the vital role of the police not only in enforcing laws and maintaining order, but also in protecting rights and providing a secure environment. He noted that the presence of the police offers a sense of security and acts as an important pillar in shaping the future of society.
Director General of Police, Nagaland, Rupin Sharma, IPS, commended the NSCPCR for conducting awareness programmes across the state, noting that many children remain unaware of their legal rights and protection.
Raising this awareness, he said, is essential in a time when crimes against children ranging from abuse and exploitation to trafficking and neglect continue to occur in various forms.
The DGP stressed that educating children about their rights, as well as informing parents, guardians, teachers, and the wider community, plays a crucial role in preventing such crimes and ensuring that children grow up in a safe, secure, and supportive environment.
Member NSCPCR, Akumla Longchari, spoke on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, outlining its provisions for safeguarding children from sexual abuse and exploitation. She emphasized the crucial role of the police in ensuring timely justice, highlighting the need for prompt case registration, sensitive handling of victims, and thorough investigations to secure convictions.
Legal Consultant NSCPCR, Lichani Murry, presented an overview of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, detailing its framework for the care, protection, and rehabilitation of children in need, as well as procedures for dealing with children in conflict with the law. She stressed that the Act is designed to balance justice with the best interests of the child.
The programme sought to deepen understanding among stakeholders, promote coordinated action, and reaffirm Nagaland’s commitment to upholding child rights and effectively implementing protection laws.
