IMPHAL, July 12: A one day State Level Workshop on the status of Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS) in Manipur and Children’s Right to Food was held at the Conference Hall, Imphal Hotel today.
During the conference Ashim Ghosh, senior manager, Child Rights and You (CRY), Kolkata presented power point presentation about the findings of ICDS in Manipur in collaboration with Manipur Alliance for Child Rights shows that the most ambitious government scheme for children nation-wide ICDS in Manipur 75 percent are not running in government building out of 80 surveyed.
“37 percent of the surveyed ICDS centres had failed to provide supplementary nutritional food on a regular basis”.
ICDS is one of the most important schemes for children below the age of 6 years but unfortunately it remains one of the most neglected in the state, he said while adding that it is more neglected in the hill areas at an alarming rate.
Speaking at the function A Nabachandra Singh, Chairperson, Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Right (MCPCR) said even though funds have been provided for the construction of anganwadi centers the funds are not utilized properly.
He further said for the protection of child rights several acts have been constituted however there is a growing fear about how much the acts have benefitted the children.
Blaming only the government for all the ills will never bring any good, in fact people should start taking responsibility and act for the welfare of the children, he said.
During any arrest made by the police, people should ascertain whether the Act applied is in accordance with the crime for which the FIR is being filed against the accused so as to ensure that the crime is properly investigated.
Ng Nongyai Singh, former Member, Manipur Human Right Commission (MHRC) said it needs to be checked whether steps taken up for the welfare of the children are properly implemented.
He further alleged that right to life, right to food and education of marginalized children has been blatantly robbed because of the incompetent. There is lack of infrastructure and facilities of children’s in the society.
He appealed to the public to work collectively for the welfare of the children.