Section 13 (1) (e), (h) & (i) of CPCR Act, 2005 states that the Commission shall perform or look into the matters relating to children in need of special care and protection including children in distress, marginalized and disadvantaged children, children in conflict with law, juvenile, children without family and children of prisoners and recommend appropriate measures; spread child rights literacy among various sections of the society and promote awareness of the safeguard available for protection of these rights through publications, the media, seminars and other available means; inspect or cause to be inspected any juvenile custodial homes (CCIs) or any other place of residence or institution meant for children, under the control of the Central Govt. or State Govt., including any institution run by NGOs, where children are detained or lodged takes up with these authorities for remedial action, if found necessary.
As mandated and in pursuance of the functions of the Commission mentioned above, and with a sentiment of good faith, Pu R. Laltanpuia, Hon’ble Member, MSCPCR conducted official visit to Lunglei District from 15 - 30 April, 2024. Pu R. Laltanpuia made visit to the following institutions while on official tour to Lunglei: -
1. Office of the District Child Protection Officer, Lunglei District, Lunglei: On the 22nd April, 2024, an official meeting was held with the Officer and Staff of District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Lunglei District. Pi Lalrinkimi Hmar, DCPO facilitated and chaired the meeting, wherein the function, mandate, power, activity of MSCPCR and DCPU were exchanged and reported at the interactive meeting held.
2. Observation Home & Special Home, Lunglei District, Lunglei: On the 22nd April, 2024, Pu R. Laltanpuia, accompanied by DCPO and Staff of DCPU, Lunglei District visited Observation Home & Special Home at Pukpui, Lunglei. These Homes currently facilitates boys only. Hence, inconveniences and adversities are met as a result of girls being sent to Observation Home and Special Home, Aizawl, reported the authorities of the Homes to the Member, MSCPCR.
3. District Jail, Lunglei District, Lunglei: On the 23rd April, 2024, Pu R. Laltanpuia, accompanied by DCPO and Staff of DCPU, Lunglei District visited District Jail, Lunglei. During the time of the visit, two children of women prisoners were in the jail, who were not enrolled in the nearby Anganwadi Centre. As a consequent of the capacity of inmates being exceeded utterly, and for the best interest of the children, through the remedial recommendation of Member, MSCPCR and intervention of DCPU, Lunglei District, the children were immediately given to their close relatives. Pu R. Laltanpuia made a visit to Anganwadi Centre, Sazaikawn, Lunglei as well in order to augment and extend the services provided to children of women prisoners.
4. Govt. Leitlang High School, Lunglei & Govt. High School, Lunglei: Sensitization and Awareness programme on child rights and child rights legislations in Mizoram were held at the two High Schools on 24th & 26th April, 2024 for the students and staff of the High Schools. The programmes were facilitated with inputs from Pu R. Laltanpuia, Member, MSCPCR and Pi Lalrinkimi Hmar, DCPO, Lunglei Dist.
5. Bethel Centre, Chhumliamkawn, Lunglei: Pu R. Laltanpuia, accompanied by DCPU staff visited Bethel Centre, CCI on 25th April, 2024. The official visitors found that the centre exceeded its capacity for catering children in need of care and protection. Remedial recommendation shall be taken up through the intervention of DCPU in order not to exceed its capacity.
6. Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Lunglei District, Lunglei: Pu R. Laltanpuia met the Chairman and members of CWC, Lunglei District on 25th April, 2024. CWC mentioned to the Member, MSCPCR certain issues related to children which required appropriate intervention and recommendation. Cases of children being instigated, organised and teamed up for physical duel/fight/bullying among themselves by adults are being reported often. The prohibition and punishment thereof for instigating and organising such acts may be inserted and be included in the JJ Act, 2015. CWC also mentioned on the need to establish a rehabilitation/deaddiction centre specifically meant for juveniles (not in conflict with law) who are addicted to drugs and other addictive substances.
