GUWAHATI, Nov 20 - As part of the International Child Rights Day celebrations, the Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR) organised an interactive session with the media and academicians here on Sunday.
Speaking on the occasion, Runumi Gogoi, chairperson, ASCPCR, said �There�s a lot that has changed and the media has been observed to be more sensitive towards the cause of the children and also in promoting child rights. However, there�s a lot to be achieved.�
Hari Prasad Sharma, Rector, Gauhati University while sharing his views, mentioned that the concept has moved from a philanthropy activity to a rights-based approach in rendering services and emphasised the need for everyone to shoulder the responsibility of creating a child-friendly ambience in society.
Dipesh Bhagwati, psychiatrist and social worker, who also participated in the interaction, highlighted that there is a need to give a thought to the children of people with psychological disorder and also to children suffering from mental illness. He also said that the infrastructure should be more child-friendly in schools. �This should be kept in mind even while constructing roads, pavements and parks,� he said.
Dr Ramesh Ch Barpatragohain, Head, Department of Law, Gauhati University voiced concern about the education system and made special mention of articles enshrined in the UNCRC and the Indian Constitution and RTE wherein both parents and guardians along with governments and education stakeholders are held responsible for imparting and ensuring quality education to children and to provide them a conducive and protective environment in school and a society free of violence for their fullest development.
Representatives from various media houses and academicians shared their views and expressed their concern and commitment towards fulfilling the rights of children.
The commission also shared the status of health, education, nutrition and child protection issues and various programmes and policies related to protection and development of children in Assam.
