Guwahati: A significant step was taken in Guwahati today towards building a safer world for children in Assam. A state-level Child Safety Convergence Workshop along with the formal launch of the ‘KAWACH’ programme was organized through a day-long event, jointly supported by the North East Centre for Equity Action on Integrated Development (NEAID) and the British Asian Trust. The special initiative has been designed in alignment with the Government of India’s Ministry of Women and Child Development flagship scheme “Mission Vatsalya,” with the primary objective of strengthening and activating the government child protection system (KAWACH Programme Assam).
Participation of Policymakers and Experts
Several senior administrative officials and experts of the state participated in the important programme and highlighted various aspects of child protection. The event was attended by B. Kalyan Chakravarthy (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary, Panchayat and Rural Development Department; Dr. Shyamal Prasad Saikia (Retd. IPS), Chairperson of the Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR); Partha Pratim Majumdar (IAS), Commissioner and Secretary, Women and Child Development Department; and Laxminarayan Nanda, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF. Representatives from District Child Protection Units (DCPU) of seven districts, child protection officers, and members of block- and village-level child welfare and protection committees also actively participated in the workshop.
Objectives and Plan of the KAWACH Programme
A representative of the British Asian Trust, while addressing the gathering, stated that through ‘KAWACH’, local child protection mechanisms at district, block, and ward levels across Assam will be further strengthened. Enhancing the capacity of frontline workers and prioritizing child protection in local development planning are among its key objectives. Beyond monitoring, the initiative will also focus on linking vulnerable families with government welfare schemes and livelihood opportunities to address the root causes of child vulnerability. He emphasized that ‘KAWACH’ is a long-term initiative aimed at ensuring access to education and social protection, thereby creating a protective shield around at-risk children.
Towards an Integrated Future
Led by NEAID, the initiative is being regarded as an important step towards building an integrated and sustainable child protection system in Assam. In alignment with central government policies, the programme carries the commitment to creating a safe society for every child. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Meraj Ahmed, Executive Director of NEAID, marking the end of the day’s proceedings.