Kohima, July 27 (MExN): Two days induction training for the new Child Welfare Committees (CWC) member of Nagaland state was organised by State Child Protection Society, Nagaland on July 26 and 27 at the premises of Mount Tabor Retreat House at Kohima.
All the members from different parts of Nagaland attended the training. This is the third batch since the inception of Child Welfare Committees. This five member bench is the competent authority in their respective district to handle case of children in need of care and protection. CWC as a bench enjoy the status of a Judicial Magistrate of first class while dealing with such case.
A press release issued by State Child Protection Society stated that the two days training programme started off with the launching of the first of its kind handbook, a guide for CWC while dealing with children in need of care and protection by Z Nyushietho Nyuthe Society Director, SCPS.
The main resource person K. Ela, Director Prodigal Home Dimapur raised concern over public ignorance about existence of CWC and its importance. She shared a report on Budget for Children in Nagaland which showed alarming figures in issues relating to children in Nagaland.
She challenged the participants to go back to their respective districts and to lay down the ground work in order to enable the children to avail the different services that are being created for them.
The two days training program also included other resource persons speaking on issues like POCSO 2012, JJ Act 2015, Adoption, Child rights, child psychology etc.
A number of questions and queries were raised by the newly elected CWC members on the topics discussed. There was confusion as to whether the Juvenile Justice Act of 2000 or 2015 was to be followed as the State Government had still not adopted the Juvenile Justice Act (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015.
The State Child Protection Society has assured the members present to take up the issue with the State Govt but it would be in the best interest of all stakeholders if the State Government can take up the issue at the earliest and clear the confusion without further delay so that the children would not be affected by it.
