Guwahati: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday called for stronger regional cooperation among the northeastern states to address emerging threats to children, including trafficking, online exploitation, substance abuse, child marriage and cross-border vulnerabilities.
Addressing the inaugural session of the North East State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) Convention 2026 in Tawang, Khandu described the gathering as a historic first, bringing together all State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights from the Northeast on a common platform dedicated to protecting and promoting child rights.
Welcoming chairpersons, members and member secretaries of the State Commissions, representatives of national institutions, senior officials, development partners and civil society organisations, Khandu said Tawang, known for its tradition of peace, compassion and harmony, was an appropriate venue for discussions on safeguarding children’s rights and future.
The Chief Minister said the success of any government should be judged not only by economic growth or infrastructure development but also by how effectively it protects its most vulnerable citizens.
He said every child is entitled to a safe environment free from violence, exploitation, abuse and discrimination, along with access to education, healthcare, nutrition and equal opportunities.
Mentioning Arunachal Pradesh’s child welfare initiatives, Khandu said more than 15,500 girls have benefited under the Dulari Kanya Scheme, with the state investing over Rs 38 crore to support higher education.
He said more than 134 awareness programmes had been conducted under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign across the state.
He also said the state government has earmarked Rs 3.3 crore under the Girls Health & Hygiene Scheme for 2026-27 to provide sanitary napkins to more than 25,000 beneficiaries.
Speaking about the importance of maternal care in child welfare, Khandu spoke about several initiatives launched by the Prime Minister to improve maternal and child health. He said more than 38,000 beneficiaries have received assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, while over 34,000 beneficiaries are being supported through nutrition-related interventions.
Under Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, more than 1.8 lakh women and children are covered. Khandu said 152 Anganwadi Centres have already been upgraded, while another 125 are being developed under the Adopt an Anganwadi initiative.
On strengthening child protection mechanisms, Khandu said more than 2,500 vulnerable children are receiving sponsorship support under Mission Vatsalya. He added that 2,479 children are receiving monthly assistance of Rs 4,000 under sponsorship, foster care and aftercare schemes.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the role of the 24×7 Child Helpline 1098, One Stop Centres in all 25 districts and Women Helpline 181 in providing support to children and women in distress.
Calling child protection a shared responsibility, Khandu said governments alone cannot ensure children’s safety. He urged schools, families, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, health workers, community leaders, faith-based organisations and civil society groups to work together to create a safe and supportive environment for children.
Referring to the unique geographical and social realities of the Northeast, Khandu said challenges such as trafficking, online exploitation and substance abuse often extend beyond state boundaries, making inter-state coordination essential.
He expressed hope that the convention would strengthen the exchange of best practices, improve the implementation of child protection laws, enhance coordination in cases involving missing and trafficked children, and support more effective responses to emerging online threats.
Urging participants to translate deliberations into action, Khandu said the success of the convention would ultimately be measured by improvements in the lives of children across the region.
He also congratulated the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, headed by Chairperson Ratan Anya, for organising the convention and thanked participating State Commissions, national institutions, experts, officials and development partners for their contribution to advancing child rights in the Northeast.
A North East SCPCR Convention Souvenir was released by the Chief Minister and other dignitaries during the inaugural session.
The two-day convention is being chaired by Women & Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul. The inaugural session was attended by Advisor to the Home Department Mutchu Mithi as the Guest of Honour, Advisor to the Women & Child Development Department Tsering Lhamu, Tawang MLA Namgey Tsering as Special Invitee, and other dignitaries.