Annual Stakeholders Consultation on Protection of Children with Disabilities Held in Patna
Patna: The Honourable Juvenile Justice Monitoring Committee, Patna High Court, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Bihar, and UNICEF, Bihar, successfully conducted the Annual State-Level National Stakeholders Consultation on the protection of children with disabilities at Gyan Bhawan, Patna.
The program commenced with the recitation of the National Anthem by girls from Antarjyoti Balika Vidyalay, Patna, followed by a welcome address by Ms. Rachna Shrivastava, Additional Registrar, Juvenile Justice Secretariat, and an introductory address by Mr. Shivendra Pandeya, Programme Manager, UNICEF Bihar.
The Chief Secretary of Bihar, Mr. Brijesh Mehrotra, and Mr. Prem Singh Meena, Secretary, Social Welfare Department, emphasized the need for ongoing efforts to strengthen the juvenile justice care and protection system and continued collaborative efforts.
The keynote address was delivered by Hon'ble Mr. Justice P. B. Bajanthri, Judge and Chairperson, Juvenile Justice Monitoring Committee, Patna High Court, followed by addresses by Hon'ble Mr. Justice Ashwani Kumar Singh, Former Judge, Patna High Court, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Judge, Supreme Court of India, and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Abhay S. Oka, Judge, Supreme Court of India.
During the inaugural session, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah suggested proactive identification and support for children with disabilities, while Hon'ble Mr. Justice Abhay S. Oka emphasized the urgent need for effective implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act.
The inaugural session was followed by four technical sessions, chaired by Hon'ble judges and co-chaired by senior officials and experts. Eminent speakers addressed the program as resource persons.
The event concluded with a summary of key takeaways and actionable steps presented by Mr. Banku Bihari Sarkar, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF Bihar, followed by a vote of thanks by Mr. Prashant Kumar C.H., Director, Department of Social Welfare, Government of Bihar.
This collaboration underscores a unified commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities for children with disabilities, representing a significant step toward creating a more equitable and inclusive society.
