Formulation of policy for children, a welcome step: Chief Justice

IMPHAL | Sept 8

Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) organised a ‘One day consultation on the formulation of Manipur state policy for children 2017’ today at Sangai conference hall, Hotel Imphal, in collaboration with Department of Social Welfare and Child Rights and You (CRY).

While delivering a speech as chief guest, the acting chief justice, Manipur High Court, N. Kotiswar Singh stated that formulation of policy for children in the state is indeed a welcome step towards the welfare of the children and to mould them to the right path during this formative phase of one’s life.

Considering the alarming rate of crimes and abuse against children in the state, minister of Social Welfare and Cooperation Nemcha Kipgen, who attended the event as president stated that the formulation and development of Manipur State Policy for Children, 2017 is the need of the hour. She continued that the policy will provide a safe and positive environment for children in the state.

The minister also drawn attention of all the stakeholders to comply with all relevant local legislations, administrations and other measures on child rights and welfare to protect and ensure child rights and to provide what is in best interest of the child, since keeping children safe and secured is everyone’s responsibility.

“All of us have the responsibility to do all that we can to mould our children for their lives as productive citizens in the future,” she added.

She asserted that children, who occupy an essential part of every population, are the most vulnerable section of society. They suffer from abuse every day. As the future of a nation utterly depends on the level of care provided to its children, children’s rights should be made one of the main mandated priorities of everyone and be committed to their welfare and protection.

Commissioner of Social Welfare, H. Deleep Singh, chairperson of MCPCR, S. Saratkumar Sharma, director of Social Welfare, Jacintha Lazarus and general manager of Development Support, CRY Mahua Chatterjee were the guests of honour in the programme.

1. Saratkumar Sharma stated in his keynote address that the Manipur State Policy for Children has been developed after a series of consultation with the stakeholders and CRY, concerning the strong need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in Manipur. The policy institutes the respective responsibilities of personnel or individuals in relation to the safeguarding, promotion and protection of children. The policy also aims to raise awareness on safeguarding children issues, he added.

He stated that the policy for children is guided by the existing legal frameworks of Child Protection Policy of India and the ratified International Convention. The Children Policy predominately draws its guiding principles from ICDS, National Charter for Children, NPA, ICPS, POCSO Act, National Policy for Children 2013 and Juvenile Justice Act 2015. He continued that the department of social welfare shall be the nodal department in context of the present state policy for children.