BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 26th March 2026: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), in collaboration with the Directorate of Elementary Education, organized a high-level one-day conference on child rights and the POCSO Act today at Pragna Bhavan here to sensitize stakeholders and strengthen the foundational education and safety of children across Tripura.
During the keynote session, Education (School) Department Secretary Dr. Milind Ramteke emphasized that the future of the state’s economic and social development rests on the quality of elementary education. Highlighting the role of Anganwadi centers, officials noted that these institutions are the first line of defense for a child’s nutrition and pre-school learning.
“In developed nations, the highest investment is made in children aged 0 to 6,” Dr Ramteke stated during the address. The conference stressed that if children from Classes 1 to 5 are equipped with strong foundational literacy, they will be capable of competing on a global stage.
A significant portion of the seminar was dedicated to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Experts discussed the legal frameworks necessary to create a “zero-tolerance” environment for child abuse. The dialogue aimed to bridge the gap between policy and grassroots implementation, ensuring that Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) and District Program Officers (DPOs) are well-versed in handling sensitive cases.
The technical sessions also touched upon the practical difficulties faced by ground-level workers. It was noted that Anganwadi workers are often burdened with multiple administrative tasks, which can sometimes dilute the focus on pre-school education. The NCPCR urged department heads to streamline these processes to ensure that teaching and child welfare remain the top priorities.
The event began with a unique “plant watering” ceremony by the dignitaries, symbolizing the growth and nurturing of the next generation, followed by a series of presentations from child rights specialists and educationalists.
