Arunachal: CM Pema Khandu calls for Northeast cooperation to strengthen child protection and address emerging challenges
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday called for stronger cooperation among the Northeastern states to tackle emerging threats affecting children, including trafficking, online exploitation, substance abuse, child marriage and cross-border vulnerabilities.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the Northeast State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) Convention in Tawang, Khandu described the event as a landmark gathering, bringing together all State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights from the Northeast on a common platform focused exclusively on child rights.
Welcoming chairpersons, members, senior officials, representatives of national institutions, development partners and civil society organisations, Khandu said Tawang’s legacy of peace and harmony made it an appropriate venue for discussions on protecting children and securing their future.
The Chief Minister said the strength of any government should be measured by how well it safeguards its most vulnerable citizens. He stressed that every child deserves a safe environment free from violence, exploitation, abuse and discrimination, along with access to education, healthcare, nutrition and equal opportunities.
Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s child welfare initiatives, Khandu said more than 15,500 girls have received financial assistance for higher education under the Dulari Kanya Scheme, with the state investing over Rs 38 crore. He also said more than 134 awareness programmes have been conducted under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign.
For the 2026-27 financial year, the state has allocated Rs 3.3 crore under the Girls Health and Hygiene Scheme to provide sanitary napkins to more than 25,000 beneficiaries.
Khandu also outlined measures aimed at improving maternal and child health. He said over 38,000 beneficiaries have received assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, while more than 34,000 people are benefiting from nutrition-related interventions.
Under the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 programme, over 1.8 lakh women and children are covered. He added that 152 anganwadi centres have already been upgraded, while another 125 are being developed under the Adopt an Anganwadi initiative.
On child protection, Khandu said more than 2,500 vulnerable children are receiving sponsorship support under Mission Vatsalya. He added that 2,479 children are receiving monthly financial assistance of Rs 4,000 through sponsorship, foster care and aftercare schemes.
He also highlighted the 24×7 Child Helpline 1098, One Stop Centres in all 25 districts and Women Helpline 181 as key support systems for children and women facing distress.
Calling child protection a shared responsibility, Khandu urged schools, families, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, healthcare workers, community leaders, faith-based organisations and civil society groups to work together to ensure a safe and supportive environment for every child.
Referring to the Northeast’s unique geographical and social landscape, he said challenges such as trafficking, online exploitation and substance abuse often extend across state borders, making regional coordination essential.
Khandu expressed hope that the convention would encourage greater sharing of best practices, stronger implementation of child protection laws, improved coordination in cases involving missing and trafficked children, and more effective responses to online threats.
He urged participants to ensure that the discussions result in concrete action, saying the success of the convention should be judged by meaningful improvements in the lives of children across the Northeast.
The Chief Minister also congratulated the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, led by Chairperson Ratan Anya, for organising the convention. A souvenir marking the Northeast SCPCR Convention was released during the inaugural session.
The two-day convention is being chaired by Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul. The inaugural programme was attended by Home Department Adviser Mutchu Mithi, Women and Child Development Department Adviser Tsering Lhamu, Tawang MLA Namgey Tsering and other dignitaries.
