MCPCR meet stresses relief, welfare of IDPs
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 18 2024: The second Camp Sitting of the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) was held in Jiribam on Wednesday, addressing the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and highlighting gaps in education, health, and welfare services.

A full bench comprising chairperson Keisam Pradipkumar and members Md Habibur Rahman and Anita Chabungbam presided over the session.

The Commission directed the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO), Jiribam to relocate four girl students currently sheltering in Borobekra Circle to a safer relief centre in proper Jiribam to as to provide a conducive environment for the students to prepare for their Class X exams scheduled in February 2024.Taking suo-motu cognizance of the incident of November 11, when three minors and three women were abducted and murdered, the Commission called for speedy investigation and justice under the law.

It further instructed the agency concerned to issue death certificates for the victims, providing a sense of closure to their families.

The ZEO was also directed to ensure that the internally displaced children have access to free education under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, particularly leveraging the 25 per cent reservation for socially and economically disadvantaged sections in private schools.

It also advised the District Social Welfare Officer to clear pending payments for children selected under the Mission Vatsalya sponsorship scheme for the previous year.

Noting that total number of displaced Meetei in Jiribam is 586, including 209 children from 251 households, the MCPCR recom mended increasing the beneficiary allocation under the same scheme.

Currently, the quota is limited to 70 beneficiaries per district, which the Commission deemed insufficient given the large number of violence-hit children.

The Commission raised concern over the inadequate healthcare services at the lone government hospital in Jiribam, the CHC or 50-bedded hospital.

Recommendations included deploying two gynaecologists and additional nurses to address the urgent needs of pregnant women, who are often forced to travel to Silchar Medical College or private hospitals for emergency caesarean section deliveries, incurring high costs and risking their lives.

During a site visit, the Commission found the hospital's oxygen plant, installed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, to be non functional.

Chairperson Pradipkumar expressed deep concern, stating, "Oxygen is an essential life-saver.

Without it, one can't imagine a serviceable hospital setup now.

Leaving the long-awaited oxygen plant non-functional for the last five years is a matter of grave concern." The chairperson urged the department concerned to make the oxygen plant operational within 15 days to serve the public, especially the economically vulnerable IDPs.

The session was attended by 26 officials, civil society representatives, and victim families.

The Commission underscored the need for qualitative improvement in healthcare facilities and more inclusive welfare measures for IDP children and reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice and welfare for the affected communities.

Comment