Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 265/13

ORIENTATION PROGRAMME ON INTEGRATED CHILD PROTECTION SCHEME

Shillong, May 28, 2013: A two day orientation workshop for members of CWC, JJB, SJPU, Print & Electronic Media on Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) got underway today at the Don Bosco Youth Centre, Shillong where the Principal Secretary, Social Welfare, Mr. P W Ingty was the Chief Guest.

Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) is a newly launched Centrally-sponsored scheme in collaboration with the State Government and Civil Society which aims to provide safe and secure environment for children and to set up a mechanism to strengthen child welfare system. The objective of the scheme is to build capacity and to coordinate a network between government and non government organizations to identify and assist, in whatever the case may be, for the welfare of the child.

In his inaugural speech, Mr. Ingty said that under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Act, 2006, it is mandatory to set up a mechanism like the Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) and Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU) and these units have been set up in the seven districts of Meghalaya with more to come up in the new districts. He highlighted on the role and responsibilities of these units where he informed that the CWC is the competent authority to safeguard and promote functional families and safe environments for children, it disposes of cases for the care, protection, treatment, development and rehabilitation of children in need of care and protection and provides legal and counseling support. The function of the JJB, he informed, is to conduct inquiries and be child friendly. With regard to SJPU, Mr. Ingty said that the police unit is the first to come in contact with children in trouble and therefore it is important for them to be sensitized.

‘Media is the powerful tool which makes immediate impact on society,’ said Mr. Ingty while stressing on the role the media can play in sensitizing the public on the rights and privileges of children. He lamented on the fact that the media is flashing pictures of children who are victims of sexual abuse without realizing the psychological impact that these pictures have on the victims’ lives and their families. Therefore there is a need to sensitize journalists so that they can utilize the media to its fullest potential to control and eradicate children rights violations.

The Assistant Director, Social Welfare, C N Marak, in her speech, said that the orientation programme is to build capacity and sensitize machineries in coordination with departments and civil society. She said that the successful implementation of ICPS can be possible with the active participation of main stakeholders which will strengthen their services towards children’s’ welfare.

Dr. S Barik, Assistant Director, National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD), Guwahati, who is also the resource person in the programme, said that in recent times, Meghalaya has witnessed many child rights violation. She said that the lectures on the role and responsibilities of CWCs, JJBs, SJPU and the Media will further enhance their knowledge on the issue and will strengthen their capacity in their strive to contain and eliminate such violations.

Press Release No. 266/13

COLLECTION CENTRES OF THE SMB

Shillong, May 28, 2013: The Shillong Municipal Board is having its collection centre for collection of Municipal Taxes at the Axis Bank Laitumkhrah and Police Bazar branches, Shillong. Citizens residing in the 27 wards of the localities falling under the Municipal jurisdiction can pay their Municipal taxes either in the office of the SMB or in the above counters as per their convenience.