Portal ensures anonymity, to address school-related gender-based violence cases
The Nagaland Education Project The Lighthouse (NECTAR) under the Department of School Education has launched a Grievance Redressal Mechanism (GRM) portal for Lighthouse School Complexes (LSCs).
The portal was launched during a one-day orientation programme for District Level School Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV) Committees held at Hotel De Oriental, Kohima, and was inaugurated by Alun Hangsing, Chairman of the Nagaland State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NSCPCR).
According to officials, the portal has been designed to ensure anonymity of complainants, with automated features that directly notify the concerned committee.
Delivering the welcome address, Shashank Pratap Singh, Principal Director of the Department of School Education and Project Director of NECTAR, said the establishment of a grievance redressal mechanism is mandated by court directives as well as by international bodies such as the United Nations and the World Bank.
He stated that schools are an extension of home and family, and emphasised the responsibility of school heads and teacher counsellors to ensure a safe and friendly environment for students.
Singh also urged committee members to handle cases of gender-based violence involving juveniles with sensitivity and proper counselling support.
In his keynote address, Hangsing highlighted the importance of child rights, stating that nations prioritising child protection have achieved higher levels of development. He noted that the Indian Parliament has established the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), followed by the formation of the NSCPCR in Nagaland.
Stressing the responsibility of SRGBV committee members, he called for effective implementation of policies to ensure a better future for children.
A total of 97 participants from across the state attended the orientation. The sessions covered topics including introduction to SRGBV, case profiling, and case redressal, aimed at strengthening the capacity of the 17 district-level committees.
Officials informed that during the pilot phase, the GRM portal will be operational in Lighthouse School Complexes and will eventually be extended to all government schools across the state.
