Guwahati– In a landmark move for child protection in Assam, UTSAH, a prominent child rights organisation, today unveiled its dedicated POCSO Centre in Guwahati. This pioneering initiative aims to provide comprehensive support to children who have endured sexual violence, reinforcing the state’s commitment to child justice.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Guwahati Police Commissioner Partha Sarathi Mahanta, who lauded UTSAH’s unwavering dedication to the cause. “Miguel Das and his team have truly been trailblazers in this crucial field. This new Centre will undoubtedly amplify their reach and impact, ensuring more children receive the assistance they desperately need,” stated Commissioner Mahanta, acknowledging UTSAH’s consistent efforts.
Adding weight to the occasion, Padmapani Bora, IRS, Commissioner and Secretary of the Information & Public Relations Department, Government of Assam, attended as the esteemed Guest of Honour. Emphasising the critical necessity of such a facility, Mr. Bora remarked, “This Centre is undeniably the need of the hour. Survivors require timely and compassionate support, and this dedicated space is meticulously designed to offer precisely that.”
The newly inaugurated Centre is poised to offer a holistic suite of services, including trauma-informed counselling, crucial legal aid, and round-the-clock crisis response. Furthermore, it will provide vital support to child survivors throughout the intricate stages of investigations and court proceedings. In a collaborative spirit, the Centre will work in close coordination with key stakeholders such as the Assam Police, Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs), Special POCSO Courts, and District Child Protection Units (DCPUs), ensuring a child-friendly and sensitive justice delivery mechanism.
Since its inception in 2013, UTSAH has already extended its unwavering support to over 400 child survivors of sexual violence. The establishment of this new Centre signifies a momentous stride in the organisation’s ongoing mission to construct a safe, responsive, and rights-based support system for the vulnerable children of Assam.
The Centre’s establishment has been made possible through the generous backing of The Good Fund (TGF), Dasra, and the Lioness Club Umang. This initiative also aligns seamlessly with UTSAH’s official designation as an empanelled Support Person Organisation, operating under the stringent guidelines of Rule 4(8) of the POCSO Rules, further solidifying its role in safeguarding child rights.
The launch event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of senior police officials, prominent child protection stakeholders, and a multitude of well-wishers, all of whom collectively reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to upholding and protecting child rights across Assam.