By preetam B C

Kokrajhar : With an objective to create awareness on various issues related to child rights and child marriage, an awareness programme on child marriage, child rights and protection was held at Gaonbura Bhavan in Kokrajhar.

Organised by District Child protection Unit, Kokrajhar and Child Welfare Committee, Kokrajhar in collaboration with All BTAD Gaonbura Association, over 50 village headman(gaonburas) from Kokrajhar block and locals participated in the programme.

Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Kokrajhar Chairperson Malati Rani Narzary attended the programme and spoke in length the issues related to crimes against children like child marriage, child sexual abuse, child labour etc. She also highlighted the measures of the government like Childline and Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and others that are aimed at protection of the child rights. She said it is the responsibility of the each and every elder of the society to protect the rights of the children.

Protection Officer, DCPU, Kokrajhar Ankur Dutta spoke on the problems and possibilities such as child marriage, child labour and POCSO Act. He highlighted the need to thoroughly understand POCSO Act and JJ Act.

President of All BTAD Gaonbura Association Dhananjay Brahma, Secretary Robert Kerketta, CWC members-Babli Basumatary, Mousumi Bhattacharjee, P Brahma Choudhury and Child Protection Officer, Kokrajhar Louis Basumatary also spoke on the occasion and shared their experiences and stressed on the need to organize such programme extensively in different parts of the districts among the public and local villagers. The meeting also decided to form Village level child protection committee in very villages in the district where it is yet to be formed.

An interaction session was also held.  The programme concluded with a promise to work united to safeguard and protect the right of every child.

DCPU social worker Kanjuri Brahma gave the welcome address and votes of thanks.