Lahaul-Spiti hosts conference on child rights, protection

A one-day conference focusing on child rights, education, juvenile justice, and the POCSO Act was organised jointly by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the Lahaul-Spiti District Administration. The event was chaired by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kiran Bhadana.

The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by DC Bhadana. Senior Consultant Umesh Chander Sharma and Consultant Rishabh Dubey from NCPCR, Delhi, as well as human rights advocate and legal trainer Hanif-ur-Rehman, were present as key speakers.

District Child Protection Officer Dr Heera Nand delivered the welcome address, while Child Development Project Officer Khushvinder Thakur highlighted the importance of raising awareness about child-related legislation.

In her presidential address, DC Kiran Bhadana stressed the need to include children in such programmes to make them more meaningful. She urged teachers, police officials and child protection workers to openly discuss challenges related to child safety, including girl child protection, POCSO cases, child labour, lack of education and low awareness. “Every child is unique, and it is our responsibility to create a safe and enabling environment for their holistic development,” she stated.

Senior Consultant Umesh Chander Sharma said the goal of such conferences is to ensure every child receives a safe, respectful, and rights-based upbringing. He noted in the last six months, NCPCR has resolved more than 26,000 cases, rescued over 2,300 children from trafficking and rehabilitated 1,000 children to their home districts. “Children grow into good citizens only when they feel safe,” he added.

Consultant Rishabh Dubey spoke on bullying and cyberbullying in schools, child health and nutrition, and child rights and explained the use of the e-Baal Nidan portal and the child helpline number (1098).

Advocate Hanif-ur-Rehman discussed the legal provisions and practical challenges in implementing the Juvenile Justice Act (2015) and the POCSO Act (2015). Superintendent of Police, Lahaul-Spiti, Shivani Mehla, shared insights on the police’s role in child protection, coordination with the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and practical solutions for field challenges.

Dr Heera Nand reiterated the importance of empowering teachers, parents and children to build a secure environment. The programme concluded with an open discussion session involving participants. District Programme Officer Sanjay Dogra delivered the vote of thanks.

The event was attended by Block Development Officer Dr Vivek Guleria, Chief Medical Officer Dr Roshan Lal, teachers, police personnel, panchayat leaders, women’s group representatives and several local dignitaries.