Incidents of misconduct, ragging and molestation at Nagaland University and Sainik School, Punglwa indicate gaps in safety of children
Dear Editor,
Appropos the review meeting of Nagaland State Commission on Protection of Child Rights presided by the State Governor on Thursday, 24 Sep. 26, it would not be out of place to mention that Nagaland University, Lumami, Zunheboto, and Sainik School, Punglwa, Peren have regularly been in the headlines due to notable cases and controversies involving misconduct, ragging and molestation. These incidents indicate gaps in safety of children, as such effective awareness programmes about POCSO and POSH acts should be conducted for teachers, parents, staff and children by the district women and child welfare officers, and monitored by the deputy commissioners. It is astonishing to learn that though the acts have existed since 2012, they would be included in the Nagaland police training curriculum only now. Better late than never.
In addition to creating awareness among the stakeholders, the police must investigate the cases sensitively and the accused be tried in special courts for speedy delivery of justice. The children are the future of the country and it is the responsibility of the government and the society to nurture them in a safe and conducive environment.
Colonel Prakash Bhatt (Retd)
Noida