The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has reported a major push in addressing child protection issues across India. In the past six months, the Commission disposed of nearly 26,000 cases and rescued more than 2,300 children from various forms of exploitation and abuse, highlighting the scale of child protection challenges in the country.
Speaking at a state-level conference in Arunachal Pradesh on gaps and challenges in implementing child rights laws, Paresh Shah, division head for Juvenile Justice, POCSO, and special cells, said that every case represents the story of a child and a family whose life depends on timely intervention. “These numbers are not just statistics. They reflect real children, real families, and the urgent need for action,” Shah said.
During the same period, the Commission also repatriated over 1,000 children to their home districts, aided by newly introduced technology-driven systems that track cases more efficiently. Looking ahead, Shah said the NCPCR plans to expand mental health support for children, use AI tools to prevent Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), and develop new strategies to address challenges in enforcing child protection laws. 
Shah said that protecting children requires cooperation from government officials, schools, law enforcement, and civil society groups. He highlighted the importance of regular training for frontline workers, citizen awareness campaigns, and strong monitoring systems to strengthen child safety mechanisms.
Ratan Anya, chairperson of Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR), presented an assessment of the state’s child protection scenario. She noted that despite strong laws, gaps remain in monitoring, reporting, and enforcement. Recent incidents revealed weaknesses in POCSO investigations, child trafficking prevention, child labour checks, anti-tobacco measures under COTPA, and oversight of residential schools.
Anya called for more awareness campaigns and urged the Education Department to carry out regular school audits. State Education Commissioner Amzad Tatak emphasized the need for strict adherence to school safety norms and the role of district officials in ensuring compliance. He noted that a special task force, led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, has been formed to strengthen child rights mechanisms in schools.
