On the occasion of Universal Child Rights Day, Leh Nutrition Project and Civil Society Alliance, Leh organized a meeting to discuss issues pertaining to children in the district on November 20 at LNP office hall.

Konchok Stanzin, EC Education said such meetings are very important and should organize in future also where the collaboration of all departments will be effective to make plans to eradicate child issues. He assured all possible support to the stakeholders involved in the implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act in the district. 

Chotak Gyatso, Programme Manager, LNP informed that Leh Nutrition Project is the first NGO which is working on child rights since 1978. Started with a supplementary project during Indus Valley flood, and further worked on Rural, Health and education also.

He also mentioned the prevailing child-related issues through the study of District Need Assessment (DNA), which are corporal punishment, substance abuse, disability, child labour, sexual abuse, bullying, lack of awareness on adolescence issues, stress-related issues, discrimination, STDs and HIV/AIDS, moral education and many more.

Konchok Paldan, Chairperson Child Welfare Committee Leh said that the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) scheme has been started in 2017 in Ladakh which consists of three units; District Child Protection Unit, Juvenile Justice Board and Child Welfare Committee.

He explained that the District Child Protection Unit works administratively while the two are the statutory bodies. Konchok further briefed the about ICPS since 2018 till now and said, “ JJB got 7 cases of theft, accident and attempt to suicide and CWC got 33 total cases and out of which 10 are still pending”. He said that the maximum cases are of corporal punishment and sexual abuse cases.

Konchok further said that under the District Child Protection Unit there is counselling for mentally disturbed children, sponsorship scheme and many more. He also informed that 30 schools and 38 hostels have been inspected and awareness was given. Besides, that awareness through radio programme was done but with meagre funding.

P.T Kunzang, President, Civil Society Alliance said many incidents related to child are increasing in our society. Keeping the importance of socio-religious organization in such issues, he said that the Civil Society Alliance was formed in which we have members from different religion to create awareness and guidance. 

P.T Kunzang also requested EC for implementation of any work or project after the resolution passed as there will be no funding problem in UT Ladakh.

Konchok Angmo, Principal DIET Leh, Sarla Chhewang member CWC, head of religious organizations, Child Protection Service units and LNP employees were present.