Gyalshing, 28 Sept (IPR): Child Friendly Gram Panchayat Unit initiated by SDM, Dentam, Shri Bimal Rai, in coordination with District Child Protection Unit, ICPS SJ&WD was introduced today in 23 Sangkhu Radhu Khandu GPU in Dentam, West Sikkim.

Retired Joint Director, Health, Smt. Riki Lhamu Lepcha, attended the event as chief guest accompanied by ADC Dev., Shri Milan K. Subba, SDM, Dentam, Shri Bimal Rai, Deputy Director (HRDD), Shri J.P. Chettri, Panchayat President and team from Maniram Phalidara South Sikkim, Panchayat members of Dentam GP, Protection Officer South&West, Ms. Bhawana Subba, and the staffs of District Child Protection Unit, West Sikkim.

As informed by the Protection Officer, this was an initiative to combat alarming issues of child abuse and other offenses against children and to empower the child in the Gram Panchayats the first hand. This was also an initiative to make them realize their potential and be aware of the situations around them.

The programme was conducted to sensitize public in the grass root level about child rights and their protection and for the active participation of the children in communities programme and also to involve themselves to address their own issues actively.

During the programme, members (children) of the District Child Parliament of Child Friendly G.P.U. Maniram Phalidara South Sikkim also demonstrated the children parliament.