Sri Vijaya Puram, May 24: A two-day Workshop on Sensitization Programme on Implementation of POCSO Act and its Amendment Act & Rules for Multi Stakeholders of Mission Vatsalya Scheme was conducted on May 21 & 22. The programme was organized by Savitribai Phule National Institute of Women and Child Development under the Ministry of Women and Child Development in collaboration with the State Child Protection Society under the Directorate of Social Welfare, A&N Administration. The workshop aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, its Amendment Act and Rules, and enhancing the capacity of stakeholders engaged in child protection services across the Islands.
The programme provided a platform for deliberations on legal provisions, child-friendly procedures, inter-departmental coordination, and best practices for ensuring the safety, protection, and well-being of children. Participants included members and officials from Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), District Child Protection Units (DCPUs), Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU), Child Helpline, Child Care Institutions (CCIs), and other child protection functionaries working under Mission Vatsalya.
Training programme was coordinated by the Program Manager, State Child Protection Society (SCPS), under the guidance of the Director (Social Welfare), who facilitated the successful organization and smooth conduct of the workshop in coordination with all concerned stakeholders and departments. During the workshop, various important aspects relating to the implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, its Amendment Act and Rules, child-friendly procedures, reporting mechanisms, investigation and trial processes, victim support services, and rehabilitation measures were discussed in detail.
The sessions also emphasized the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders, inter-departmental convergence, and effective coordination mechanisms for ensuring timely intervention, protection, care, and rehabilitation of children affected by sexual offences. The programme further strengthened the capacity of stakeholders to uphold the rights, dignity, and best interests of children while ensuring effective implementation of child protection laws under Mission Vatsalya.
Shri Rashid Alam, Registrar & Member Secretary (SLSA) and Shri Jayanta Mukherjee, Principal Magistrate, JJB (S/Andaman) participated in the programme and conducted short session for the participants. Smt. Sangamitra Barik, Joint Director, Shri Mushir Alam, Assistant Director and Shri Apurba Saha, Assistant Director from SPNIWCD conducted the technical session. The workshop concluded with an interactive session and a vote of thanks was given by Superintendent (JH) I/c and participants appreciated the initiative and emphasized the need for continued capacity-building programmes for strengthening the child protection system in the Union Territory.