05/08/2025
Press release from District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Gyalshing
THE DISTRICT CHILD PROTECTION UNIT, GYALSHING ORGANISES AWARENESS-CUM-SENSITISATION PROGRAMME ON CHILD-RELATED LEGISLATIONS AT BERFOK-CHINDABUNG GPU
Gyalshing,5th August 2025:The District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Gyalshing, under the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim, conducted a one-day Awareness-cum-Sensitisation Programme on Child-Related Legislations at Berfok-Chindabung GPU,today.
The programme was conducted under the able guidance and support of District Child Protection Officer, Gyalshing, Ms Bhawana S***a as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen child protection mechanisms at the grassroots level.
The programme was attended by the Panchayat President and Vice President of Berfok-Chindabung GPU, ASI of Berfok Picket Post, teachers and students of Berfok School, staff of DCPU, and members of the local community, making it a truly community-driven initiative.
The programme commenced with a comprehensive session by Legal-cum-Probation Officer, DCPU Gyalshing Ms Sangay C Bhutia. She delivered an insightful presentation on key child protection legislations—particularly the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. Her session helped the community understand the legal safeguards available for children, while emphasising the importance of recognising what constitutes offences under these laws.
Following this,Counsellor, DCPU Gyalshing, Mr Mahadeo Sharma shed light on various provisions under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, focusing on Children in Need of Care and Protection (CNCP), Children in Conflict with Law (CICL), and alternative care services under Mission Vatsalya—including adoption, foster care, sponsorship, and aftercare support. He also spoke briefly about the roles of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), and the Child Helpline (1098).
Expressing appreciation for the initiative, the Panchayat President, Mr Som Kumar Rai, extended heartfelt thanks to the District Child Protection Unit, Gyalshing, for organising such an informative and much-needed programme in their GPU. He also urged attendees to share the learnings within their communities, recognising the importance of the day’s discussions.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks.
