Editor,
The news of sexual assault on minors at Mount Carmel Mission School in Roing in Lower Dibang Valley has sent a shockwave throughout the state and the region, following the mob lynching of one of the accused involved in this heinous act. This horrific incident highlights a lack of vigilance and inadequate security measures by the authorities responsible for our educational institutions.
Schools are meant to be sanctuaries of learning, growth, and safety. However, the increasing reports of sexual assault on minors within the school environment have shaken the very foundation of trust that parents place in educational institutions.
Protecting children from sexual abuse is not just a legal obligation – it is a moral imperative. The authorities concerned must develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for educational institutions in the state at the earliest.
The need of the time is implementation of a well-defined child protection policy (CPP), which must clearly define sexual abuse, outline procedures for reporting, and establish a no-tolerance approach. Every school should make its CPP publicly available, conduct periodic reviews, and ensure that its enforcement is strict and transparent.
As per clause 1(X) of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) manual on safety and security of children in schools, “CCTV in schools needs to be maintained regularly.” Its implementation in our schools is something that needs to be checked by the authorities.
Creating safe schools is a collective responsibility. The government must enforce regulations, schools must adopt and implement protection policies, parents must stay involved, and children must be empowered to speak up. No child should ever feel unsafe in a place meant for their growth. Let us build systems that not only respond to abuse but prevent it altogether – because every child deserves to learn without fear.
Yiri Kamcham,
Kamcham, Lower Siang