In a significant push for stronger child welfare mechanisms in Arunachal Pradesh, the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR) on Thursday submitted a series of detailed recommendations to Chief Minister Pema Khandu during a high-level meeting in Itanagar. The commission, led by Chairperson Ratan Anya, presented its concerns and policy suggestions aimed at improving the overall well-being of children across the state. The proposals focused on key areas including education, healthcare, protection from abuse, and substance addiction, reflecting a comprehensive approach to child rights.
One of the major issues highlighted was the enforcement of Section 12 of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, which mandates that private unaided schools reserve 25% of seats for children from economically weaker sections. Anya called for the effective implementation of this provision and urged the government to activate Section 32 of the RTE Act, which deals with grievance redressal in case of violations in schools. With rising concerns over bullying and drug use in schools, the APSCPCR proposed statewide anti-bullying guidelines and mandatory anti-bullying committees in every educational institution beginning the 2025–26 academic session. The revival of Prahari Clubs—student groups focused on drug prevention—was also strongly recommended to tackle growing substance abuse among school children.
Addressing the needs of children with special needs (CWSN), the commission urged the state government to appoint developmental pediatricians and dedicated support staff for early diagnosis and treatment of intellectual disabilities. The establishment of Child Development Centres in different parts of the state was also proposed to provide consistent, holistic care for differently-abled children.The APSCPCR also lauded the government’s recent expansion of the Chief Minister’s Bal Seva Scheme, which now offers monthly financial assistance of ₹1,500 to all orphaned children, including those in registered childcare institutions. The commission described this as a positive step towards ensuring financial security and social inclusion for vulnerable children.
