Kohima DPDB reviews child labour laws, approves administrative proposals

KOHIMA, JUNE 17 (MExN): The Kohima District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) held its monthly meeting on June 16 at the DPDB Hall, Kohima, under the chairmanship of Kevipodi Sophie, MLA and Chairman of the Board. Deputy Commissioner Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, NCS, chaired the proceedings.

Opening the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the minutes of the previous session and reminded all officers of the legal provisions regarding child labour. Referring to the recent observance of World Day Against Child Labour, he reiterated that children below 14 years must not be engaged in any form of labour, and adolescents aged 14 to 18 should not be assigned hazardous tasks or long working hours.

During the meeting, the President of the Western Angami Public Organisation, Kepelhoutuo Chüsi, presented a proposal to shift the administrative centre from Sechü-Zubza to Peducha. The Board resolved to take necessary action upon receiving a study update from the SDO of Sechü-Zubza.

The Board also resolved to organize a mass social work on June 21. Departments will be divided into seven groups to clean designated road stretches across Kohima town. The Kohima Municipal Council Chairman will oversee the exercise, which will include the participation of ward and colony representatives. MLA Kevipodi Sophie, the Deputy Commissioner, and the Superintendent of Police will supervise the initiative, with strict attendance to be maintained.

Reyivolu, CDPO Kohima Urban, delivered a PowerPoint presentation on initiatives undertaken by the Social Welfare Department under Mission Poshan 2.0, focusing on Anganwadi services, preschool education, nutrition, hygiene, and capacity building. She also highlighted activities under Mission Shakti, such as Sakhi One-Stop Centres and the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign. Welfare schemes including IGNOAPS, IGNWPS, IGNDPS, and NFBS were also explained.

Legal Officer Mego gave an overview of the District Child Protection Unit, elaborating on the 1098 Child Helpline, the functioning of the Child Welfare Committee, Juvenile Justice Board, and the Special Juvenile Police Unit.

Commending the department’s work, the Deputy Commissioner encouraged further improvement and upkeep of Anganwadi Centres to ensure they remain vibrant, child-friendly spaces.

The Board also approved and recommended registration proposals from Hopper’s Society, Ranger’s Club, and the E-Sports Association of Nagaland. The District Agriculture Officer will deliver the departmental presentation at the next DPDB meeting.