Civil, political & economic rights must for every child

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 6, 2022

Under the aegis of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority in collaboration with the Directorate of Health Services (MI), Government of Meghalaya; District Legal Services Authority, East Khasi Hills District & O/o District Child Protection Unit, East Khasi Hills District organized a Health Camp cum awareness on Child Rights for Children of Child Care Institutions on the theme “Bridging the Gap’ at Mawkasiang Juvenile Home, East Khasi Hills District on Friday.

Justice HS Thangkhiew, Judge, High Court of Meghalaya & Executive Chairman, MSLSA informed the services provided to the Children as categorized in Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. He also stressed upon the civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights of every child, the provisions of the Indian Constitution relating to children such as Article 14, 15a, 21, 21A, 23, 24, 29(2), 39(e), 39A, 45, 47, 51A, etc., entitlement to Legal Services, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, POCSO Act, Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, NALSA (Child Friendly Legal Services to Children and their Protection) Scheme, 2015 and various other important legislations.

Among others present E Kharmalki, IAS, Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Dr. A War, Director of Health Services (MI), NA Khan, MHJS, District & Sessions Judge-cum-Chairperson District Legal Services Authority, East Khasi Hills District, TTM Sangma, MJS, Officer-on-Special Duty, MSLSA, D. Sohtun, MJS, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Shillong, Lakador Syiem, MPS, Commandant, 6th Battalion, Umran, SAM Nongdhar, MPS, DSP (W), Shillong, District Medical & Health Officer, Shillong, Dr. A. Lyngdoh, Addl. District Medical & Health Officer, Shillong, ML Warjri, District Child Protection Officer & Member Secretary CWC, Shillong; & other Officers, Doctors, Paramedical staff, Police personnel, Teachers, students and staff of various Departments.

During the health camp, 33 Child Care Institutions took part in the programme and services like medical aid was provided to a number of 465 children.

Medical facilities such as Medical checkup (gynae & obstetrics, general opd, pediatrics, ENT, dental, eye, skin), immunization, Covid-19 vaccination, RBSK, Counseling (Adolescent/ICTC/Dietician), etc. were provided in the camp free of cost.

Apart from the medical activities, children from various child care institutions also showcased their talents through singing, dancing, beatboxing, etc. and were also entertained through activities by the Meghalaya Police cultural troupe led by the Commandant 6th Battalion, Umran and various other activities like zumba, music, displaying of video clips and dancing.

Stalls were also set up for exhibition of schemes and services provided by various Departments for the Children which includes the O/o District Child Protection Unit, Shillong, O/o District Social Welfare Officer, Shillong, O/o District Medical Health Officer, Shillong and Police Department.