The Nagaland State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NSCPCR) has warned that inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of staff are undermining child protection efforts in the state. In a Lok Bhavan statement, commission members raised these concerns during a review meeting with Governor Nand Kishore Yadav on Thursday in Kohima.
The commission said that gaps in facilities are especially detrimental to children with mental health issues, substance abuse problems, and disabilities. It called for additional members, regular staff, and increased grant‑in‑aid to enable more effective implementation of its mandate.
Since 2023, NSCPCR has monitored the application of the Juvenile Justice Act, POCSO Act, Right to Education Act and Child and Adolescent Labour Act throughout Nagaland. The body has conducted awareness programmes with tribal bodies, village councils, schools and district authorities, carried out inspections of child care institutions, observation homes and special schools, and coordinated police, judiciary, social welfare, health, education and labour departments as well as NGOs. Training for police on juvenile and POCSO laws, media workshops on child‑friendly reporting, and integration of the Acts into the Nagaland Police Training School curriculum are among its initiatives.
Looking ahead, the commission plans to establish child‑friendly rooms in courts and police stations and to continue capacity‑building programmes across all districts. Priority areas will include substance abuse prevention, child trafficking and exploitation, online safety and support for children with disabilities. The review meeting assessed the commission’s ongoing work, challenges and future priorities for strengthening child protection mechanisms and advancing children’s rights in Nagaland.
