Gangtok District,
Awareness Programme on POCSO Act, 2012 and Prevention of Child Marriage
17 September 2026: The District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Gangtok District, under the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim, organised an awareness programme at Namong JHS in collaboration with 19 Bhusuk Naitam GPU. The programme focused on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
The welcome address was delivered by Mr. Biren Giri, DMC, DHEW Gangtok District, who also briefed the participants on the Sambal and Samarthya sub-schemes under Mission Shakti and their key components. He further highlighted the role and functions of DHEW in supporting women and children.
The resource person, Shri Pradeep Tamang, explained the provisions of the POCSO Act and measures for preventing child marriage in simple and accessible language, enabling the students, teachers and supporting staff to better understand the issues and their implications.
An interactive quiz was conducted by Ms. Nisha Hangma Subba, Gender Specialist, to assess the students’ understanding of the topics discussed. Students who participated in the quiz were encouraged with stationery items as prizes.
Ms. Suklata Gurung, Supervisor, Bhusuk Naitam GPU, delivered an encouraging address, emphasising the important role of society, parents and elders in preventing child sexual abuse and child marriage. She also expressed her willingness to support and collaborate on similar awareness initiatives in the future.
The Headmistress of Namong JHS, Mrs. Tshering Zangmoo Bhutia, also addressed the students and highlighted the importance of awareness regarding the POCSO Act and its legal and social implications.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Tshering Yangzom Bhutia, acknowledging the contributions of the resource person, school authorities, GPU representatives, staff and students towards the successful conduct of the programme
