In view of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) has opened a helpline number for children to ensure their protection from any kind of grievances.
MCPCR has provided the number 1098 for issues related to children. The Commission can also be contacted at mcpcrmanipur@gmail.com or through the mobile numbers 9863265954 and 8132036601, stated a notice issued by Chairperson of MCPCR Manibabu Phurailatpam on Saturday.
It stated that there are situations where parents contract the disease and a child is left abandoned as the cases of COVID-19 second wave surge in Manipur.
The chairperson also notified that the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) of Children Act, 2015 provides for the procedure to be followed for children who are cut off from family support and have become children in need of care and protection.
The notification stated that the procedure under JJ Act, 2015 ensures that the child is provided with all the minimum standards of care, and the rights of such child are upheld and protected. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to look after the welfare of children in such a sad and tense situation, it added.
It further stated that it is necessary for every individual, entity and organisation to ensure that if they received information on any orphaned and abandoned children during these COVID time, then the same must be informed to the child help line number 1098 for further necessary actions. It added that any grievances of children may also be forwarded or informed to Manipur.
