Notify State Policy for Children: MCPCR to Govt
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 26 2025: In view of rising child and adolescent suicides in Manipur, the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) has appealed the Government for immediate notification of the State Policy for Children.

It is worth noting that a draft of the Manipur State Policy for Children was first circulated for public opinion in 2020 and revised in March 2025 but it continues to await Government notification, according to a statement issued by Keisam Pradipkumar, Chairperson, MCPCR.

The State has recently witnessed three child suicide cases from Bishnupur district alone within the span of two months.

A 13-year-old IDP boy was found dead at a school boarding facility at Saiton village on July 22.On August 6, a 15-year old boy was found hanging at home in Moirang Khoiru Makha Leikai and on August 23 a Class IX girl lost her life in a suspected case of suicide linked to cyberbullying at Thamnapokpi.

In this regard, the MCPCR has recommended several immediate actions for different departments, such as i) Cyber Crime Police: Strengthening the capacity to prevent cyber exploitation and bullying, ii) Education Department: Integrating cyber safety and life skills education in schools, iii) RIMS and JNIMS Psychiatry/Clinical Psychology Departments: Providing evidence-based psychosocial support, iv) Social Welfare Department: Expediting the State Child Policy notification process without further delay, and v) For all stakeholders to address the root causes of distress and adopt holistic preventive measures.

Highlighting the importance of expediting the enactment of the policy, the MCPCR pointed out that many child rights issues will remain unaddressed without a comprehensive State Policy for Children supported by a well-structured State Plan of Action.

The absence of a statutory policy leaves children-especially IDPs, marginalized groups, and those affected by COVID-19, ethnic conflict, and economic hardship-highly vulnerable to serious mental health risks.

Saying that the recent serial suicides underscore a disturbing trend requiring urgent, coordinated action, MCPCR has called for immediate notification of the State Child Policy without further delay.

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