Leh, July 20: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Special Rapporteur for the Himalayan Region, Shomita Biswas, on Monday chaired a high-level review meeting in Leh to assess human rights issues across the social welfare, tribal affairs, prisons and health sectors in Ladakh.
The meeting, attended by senior civil, police and health officials, focused on the welfare of vulnerable groups, including children, women, prisoners, persons with mental health concerns and other marginalised communities.
Biswas stressed the need for a coordinated approach to tackle mental health challenges, substance abuse, child protection and women’s welfare, while calling for early intervention, community awareness and stronger rehabilitation mechanisms. She also highlighted the importance of addressing anaemia, adolescent nutrition, maternal healthcare and access to counselling services.
The Social Welfare Department presented progress on Mission Saksham Anganwadi, Mission Vatsalya, Mission Shakti, Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, scholarship schemes and social security programmes, while the Prison Department briefed the NHRC on jail infrastructure, prisoner welfare and rehabilitation initiatives.
Reviewing prison conditions, the Special Rapporteur emphasised regular health and mental health assessments, vocational training and skill development for inmates to aid their reintegration into society.
The Health Department also presented updates on maternal and child health services, the National Health Mission, the District Mental Health Programme and healthcare initiatives for the elderly. Biswas urged authorities to strengthen outreach mental healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations in prisons and institutional care.
The meeting concluded with a call for stronger inter-departmental coordination, effective monitoring and a preventive, rights-based approach to human rights protection in Ladakh. The NHRC Special Rapporteur will also undertake field visits across the Union Territory to review the implementation of welfare and human rights initiatives.
