NCPCR's Six-Month Crusade: Rescuing Over 2,300 Children, Disposing of 26,000 Cases | India

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In a significant effort to safeguard the rights of India's youngest citizens, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has made a substantial impact in the past six months. The Commission has disposed of a staggering 26,000 cases, rescued over 2,300 children, and repatriated more than 1,000 children to their home districts. According to Paresh Shah, Division Head for Juvenile Justice, POCSO, and special cells of NCPCR, the Commission's work is not just about statistics. Each case represents a story of a child and a family, and effective action by officials can determine not only the lives of children but also the future of the country. Shah emphasized that while the Central and state governments are committed to safeguarding every child, strong laws alone are not enough without robust monitoring, awareness, and coordinated enforcement. He stressed that the responsibility for realising the government's child rights commitments rests on all stakeholders, from officials and school authorities to law-enforcement agencies and civil society. The focus ahead includes providing mental health support for children, using AI tools to combat Child Sexual Abuse Material, and developing new strategies to address ground-level challenges in implementing key child protection laws. Shah also highlighted the need for continuous capacity building and awareness generation, stating that officials must be trained, citizens sensitized through multiple platforms, and frontline workers supported through regular workshops. Arunachal Pradesh SCPCR chairperson Ratan Anya presented a situational analysis of the state's child protection systems, flagging multiple gaps in safety, monitoring, and reporting. She recommended more awareness campaigns by NCPCR and requested the Education Department to initiate sustained audits of schools. The conference, which was attended by state officials and experts, marked an important intervention at a critical time. It highlighted the need for collective action to strengthen child rights mechanisms and ensure the safety and well-being of India's children.