Itanagar, Jul 21: The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR) has appreciated the state government under Chief Minister Pema Khandu for approving the model guidelines for Support Persons under Section 39 of the POCSO Act, 2012.
This landmark initiative underscores the state government’s strong commitment to ensuring justice, care, and protection for children, especially survivors of sexual offences. The guidelines provide a robust framework for assisting child victims at every stage of the legal process, fostering a child-friendly and sensitive approach in line with the spirit of the POCSO Act.
APSCPCR also lauded the Department of Women and Child Development for its tireless efforts in formulating and implementing these much-needed guidelines. Their proactive approach and dedication towards strengthening the child protection ecosystem in the State are highly commendable.
“The approval of the Model Guidelines for Support Persons under the POCSO Act, 2012, is a historic and progressive step by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. These Guidelines will ensure that child survivors receive the emotional, psychological, and legal support they need to navigate the justice system with dignity and confidence. We are grateful to Chief Minister Pema Khandu and the Department of Women and Child Development for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of children,” said 
APSCPCR Chairperson Ratan Anya.
Earlier the team undertook a field visit to Roing from July 12-17 to conduct a detailed inquiry into the recent unfortunate incident of sexual assault of minors at Mount Carmel Mission School, Roing.
During the visit, the Commission team held meetings with the Child Welfare Committee, District Child Protection Unit, NGOs, parents, and the School Management Committee of Mount Carmel Mission School. A stakeholder meeting was also held under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner F Brahma.
The team conducted an inspection of the school and found gross negligence by the school authorities concerning the safety and security of children. The Chairperson directed the DDSE Lower Dibang Valley to ensure that all students of Mount Carmel Mission School are enrolled in schools of their choice without denial of admission, ensuring no student loses an academic year.
The SP Lower Dibang Valley was urged to take strict legal action against the school authorities under Section 21 of the POCSO Act, 2012, and other relevant laws for concealing the crime and failing to report the matter to the police when the minors first complained.
The APSCPCR team visited each of the five victims and their families to provide counseling on filing FIRs as they were reluctant to come forward and availing assistance under the Arunachal Pradesh Victim Compensation Act, 2011, which provides financial support to victims of crimes to mitigate their hardships.
The Chairperson also requested the Deputy Commissioner, Lower Dibang Valley, to permanently close Mount Carmel Mission School for gross negligence regarding the safety and security of students and for operating without recognition from the competent authority since 2015.
APSCPCR Chairperson also appreciated the prompt response of DC Fwwrman Brahma, IAS, for: Constituting a School Safety and Security Audit Board to assess measures in all schools of Lower Dibang Valley, with a report due within 7 days. Granting immediate financial assistance of `1 lakh from District Administration funds for the urgent medical treatment of two minors at TRIHMS as requested by the Commission.
On July 18, Anya met Minister for Women and Child Development Dasanglu Pul to brief her about the inquiry visit. The Minister also personally met the two minor victims and their parents, providing financial assistance and assuring continued support if needed.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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