Arunachal CM says cross-border threats demand stronger inter-state coordination as first-ever Northeast Child Rights Convention opens in Tawang
GUWAHATI, July 31: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday called for stronger cooperation among the eight Northeastern states to tackle growing threats to children, including trafficking, online exploitation, substance abuse, child marriage and cross-border crimes.
Inaugurating the first-ever North East State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) Convention 2026 in Tawang, Khandu said the region’s unique geographical and social realities make coordinated action essential to protect children from crimes that often transcend state boundaries.
Describing the convention as a “historic milestone,” Khandu said it was the first time all State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights in the Northeast had come together on a common platform dedicated exclusively to child rights.
“The true measure of good governance is not economic growth alone but how effectively we protect our most vulnerable citizens,” he said, stressing that every child deserves a life free from violence, exploitation, abuse and discrimination, along with access to education, healthcare and equal opportunities.
Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s child welfare initiatives, Khandu said over 15,500 girls have benefited under the Dulari Kanya Scheme, with the state investing more than Rs 38 crore in higher education support. He added that more than 134 awareness programmes had been conducted under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign, while Rs 3.3 crore has been earmarked in 2026-27 under the Girls Health & Hygiene Scheme to provide sanitary napkins to over 25,000 beneficiaries.
The Chief Minister also highlighted maternal and child welfare programmes, saying more than 38,000 women have received assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, while over 1.8 lakh women and children are covered under Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.
On child protection, Khandu said over 2,500 vulnerable children are receiving support under Mission Vatsalya, while 2,479 children are benefiting from sponsorship, foster care and aftercare schemes providing monthly assistance of Rs 4,000. He also highlighted the role of the 24×7 Child Helpline 1098, Women Helpline 181, and One Stop Centres operating across all 25 districts.
Calling child protection a shared responsibility, Khandu urged governments, schools, families, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, healthcare workers and civil society organisations to work together to ensure a safe environment for children.
He expressed hope that the convention would strengthen inter-state coordination in tackling missing and trafficked children, improve implementation of child protection laws, facilitate sharing of best practices, and enhance responses to emerging online threats.
“The success of this convention will be measured not by the number of speeches but by meaningful improvements in the lives of children across the Northeast,” Khandu said.
The Chief Minister also released the North East SCPCR Convention Souvenir during the inaugural session.
The two-day convention is chaired by Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul and attended by representatives of all Northeastern State Commissions, national child rights institutions, senior officials, development partners and civil society organisations.
