Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu called for stronger regional cooperation among northeastern states to tackle emerging threats to children, including human trafficking, online exploitation, substance abuse, child marriage and cross-border vulnerabilities.According to an official statement, Khandu, addressing the inaugural session of the North East State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (NE SCPCR) Convention 2026 in Tawang, said the event was a milestone as child rights bodies from all eight northeastern states came together on a single platform for the first time.Khandu said child welfare serves as the true benchmark of good governance and that a govt’s success cannot be measured solely by economic or infrastructure metrics but by how effectively it protects vulnerable citizens.Outlining welfare measures in the state, the chief minister said over 15,500 girls have received higher education assistance under the Dulari Kanya Scheme, with an investment exceeding Rs 38 crore. He said Rs 3.3 crore has been earmarked under the Girls Health & Hygiene Scheme for 2026-27 to support over 25,000 beneficiaries. He added that over 38,000 women have received support under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and 1.8 lakh women and children are covered under Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.Under Mission Vatsalya, he said more than 2,500 vulnerable children receive sponsorship, with 2,479 beneficiaries getting monthly assistance of Rs 4,000. Khandu also cited 24/7 support mechanisms, including child helpline 1098, women helpline 181 and one-stop centres across all 25 districts.Stating that issues like trafficking and cyber exploitation transcend state boundaries, Khandu urged civil society, families, schools and law enforcement to work collectively, calling on delegates to translate discussions into tangible outcomes for the region’s children.A commemorative NE SCPCR Convention souvenir was released during the event. The two-day convention is being chaired by women and child development minister Dasanglu Pul. Home adviser Mutchu Mithi, WCD adviser Tsering Lhamu and Tawang MLA Namgey Tsering were also present.
