DCPU Gyalshing Organises Awareness-cum-Sensitisation Programme on Child-Related Issues and Legislations at Yuksam PHC
Gyalshing,February 19:
The District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Gyalshing, under the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim, organised a one-day Awareness-cum-Sensitisation Programme on Child-Related Issues and Legislations at Yuksam Primary Health Centre (PHC), under the guidance of Ms Bhawana Subba, District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), Gyalshing,today.
The programme was attended by the Medical Officers, ANMs, and staff of Yuksam PHC, including ASHA workers.
The programme began with the welcome address proposed by Dr Biswas Basnett, Medical Officer In-Charge to all the guests and the participants.
The awareness session opened with Ms Sangay C Bhutia, Legal-cum-Probation Officer, DCPU Gyalshing, who spoke on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, Child Trafficking, and the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, highlighting legal provisions, offences, and preventive measures, while emphasising the importance of community vigilance and timely reporting in safeguarding children.
This was followed by Mr Dhan Bahadur Pradhan, Counsellor, Child Helpline, Gyalshing, who addressed the gathering on the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 and the Prohibition of Drug and Substance Abuse, stressing the harmful effects of early marriage and substance abuse on children and adolescents, and the need for timely intervention.
Subsequently, Mr Nawraj Gurung, Data Analyst, DCPU Gyalshing, sensitised the participants on the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and the Mission Vatsalya Scheme (MVS), including Adoption, Aftercare, and Sponsorship services.
During the programme, school drop-out youth from the concerned GPU were also provided career counselling, with guidance on skill development courses and alternative employment opportunities.
At the conclusion of the programme, Dr Biswas Basnet, Medical Officer In-Charge, and Dr Chungwan Limboo, Medical Officer, conveyed their sincere appreciation to the District Child Protection Unit, Gyalshing, for organising the programme and remarked that the session was highly interactive, informative, and fruitful. They also shared their valuable insights on the topics discussed, highlighting the crucial role of healthcare professionals in the early identification, reporting, and prevention of child protection concerns.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms Kripa Chettri, Block Programme Manager, who expressed her gratitude to the resource persons and participants for their active involvement.
