Tripura CM Manik Saha announced that the Northeast is set to become a national model in child rights protection. Highlighting schemes like POSHAN and child-friendly policing, he stressed awareness, adoption, nutrition, and community participation at the North Eastern Regional Convention on Child Rights in Agartala.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Thursday emphasized that the North-eastern region, with its coordinated efforts and central guidance, will set a national example in child rights protection. Addressing officials and delegates during the “One Day North Eastern Regional Convention on Child Rights” at Pragna Bhavan, Agartala, the Chief Minister said that the region is uniquely positioned to emerge as a model for the entire country.
Dr. Saha highlighted the advice and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a driving force in strengthening child protection mechanisms across the eight North-eastern states. He observed that the children of the region are “very talented and intelligent,” and called upon the administration, communities, and families to create a nurturing and protective environment for them.
Strengthening Child Protection Systems in Tripura
The Chief Minister, who also holds the Health and Family Welfare portfolio, outlined a series of initiatives already in place in Tripura. He informed that Special Juvenile Police Units are now functional in every district to ensure child-friendly procedures during investigations and care.
Eight one-stop centres are operational across the state to provide integrated support to children and women facing violence, with two additional centres recently sanctioned. These facilities offer legal aid, medical assistance, counselling, and rehabilitation services.
The Chief Minister also noted that India witnesses nearly 63,000 births daily and urged parents and guardians to dedicate more quality time toward the welfare and upbringing of children. Stressing that children’s rights must be protected “at any cost,” he pointed out that several legislative measures are already in force for their welfare, including acts on child marriage prevention, child labour abolition, and adoption.
Tripura’s Achievements in Child Welfare
Between 2022 and 2025, more than 28 orphaned children in Tripura found loving homes through the legal adoption process. In 2025 alone, about 2.29 lakh children were covered under the government’s Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and POSHAN schemes, receiving nutritious food to support their health and development.
The Chief Minister credited the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Scheme for providing hot cooked meals in government and aided schools, which has significantly improved nutritional outcomes and increased school attendance. Similarly, the POSHAN Abhiyaan, a flagship programme of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, continues to strengthen nutrition levels among children, adolescent girls, and mothers through technology-driven monitoring and community engagement.
“Our government is proactive in preventing child marriage and child labour, as well as protecting street children and differently-abled children,” Dr. Saha stated. “A child nurtured and protected today will become a responsible citizen tomorrow. Investing in children is not less than investing in our collective future.”
A Regional Effort for a Safe Future
The convention brought together key stakeholders, including Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) Chairperson Tripti Gurha, Secretary of Social Welfare and Social Education Department Tapas Roy, and Director Tapan Kumar Das.
Minister Tinku Roy described the event as a “milestone” in shaping effective strategies for the holistic development of children in the Northeast. “This convention will guide us in creating a fair, secure, and opportunity-filled society for the next generation,” he remarked.
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Dr. Saha’s concluding message underscored the state’s unwavering commitment to children’s rights. “Our government is determined to build a safe, caring, and empowering environment for every child,” he said.
With collaborative initiatives at the state and regional levels, the Northeast is poised to become a benchmark for child rights protection in India.
