GUWAHATI: The National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), representing the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, organised a significant Regional Symposium named "Vatsal Bharat" today at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra, Guwahati.
This event aimed to address crucial aspects of child protection, safety, and welfare in the North Eastern States. The participating states in this symposium comprised Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura.
The "Vatsal Bharat" initiative is part of a series of regional symposiums planned across the nation to create awareness and extend outreach regarding child protection and welfare concerns. Measures have been devised to prevent children from falling into drug abuse in the vicinity of educational institutions.
Notably, significant enhancements have been made in juvenile justice, child care, and the protection of children's rights. The organisation's ongoing monitoring efforts aimed at eradicating issues such as child marriage, illegal trafficking, and drug consumption were emphasised.
The North East Cell of NCPCR initiated workshops to tackle the grave concern of drug and substance abuse among children. The Joint Action Plan (JAP), devised by NCPCR, strives to counteract drug abuse and sales around schools and childcare institutions through comprehensive actions.
This approach emphasises a holistic strategy to address substance abuse among children. Under the aegis of "Mission Vatsalya," several advancements were introduced, including an increase in sponsorships and foster care allowances.
Moreover, a robust expansion of child protection mechanisms was prioritised in every district. The symposium witnessed the active participation of Women and Child Development Department officials, representatives from Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), Juvenile Justice Board Members (JJBs), Anganwadi Workers, and other stakeholders associated with child rights protection mechanisms.
Through this event, successful interventions under "Mission Vatsalya" were highlighted, focusing on extending sponsorship, foster care, and after-care support to vulnerable children. Additionally, mental health interventions were discussed, particularly the Support, Advocacy, and Mental Health Interventions (SAMVAD) initiative by NIMHANS, aimed at aiding children in distress.