Guwahati: In a major step towards strengthening child protection mechanisms in Assam, child rights organisation UTSAH has launched a dedicated POCSO Centre in Guwahati to provide psychosocial and legal support to children who are survivors of sexual abuse.
The centre was formally inaugurated by Guwahati Police Commissioner Partha Sarathi Mahanta, who praised UTSAH’s long-standing work in ensuring justice for child victims.
“Miguel Das and his team have been pioneers in the field. This new facility will further empower them to reach and support more children in need,” he said at the inauguration.
Also present at the event was Padmapani Bora, IRS, Commissioner and Secretary of the Information & Public Relations Department, Government of Assam, who served as the guest of honour.
Highlighting the urgency of such services, he remarked, “This Centre is the need of the hour. There are very few who dare to work against the tide of child abuse — survivors must always have a helping hand.”
The newly launched POCSO Centre will offer a comprehensive suite of services including trauma-informed counselling, legal assistance, 24×7 crisis response, and coordinated support throughout the investigation and trial processes.
It aims to deliver child-sensitive justice in collaboration with Assam Police, Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs), Special POCSO Courts, and District Child Protection Units (DCPUs).
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UTSAH, which has supported over 400 child victims of sexual violence since 2013, said the launch marks a significant leap toward creating a survivor-centric and rights-based support ecosystem in the state.
The organisation is officially empanelled as a Support Person Organisation under Rule 4(8) of the POCSO Rules.
The initiative is supported by The Good Family (TGF), Dasra, Payal Chadda, and Lioness Club Umang.
Senior officials from the Assam Police, child protection agencies, and long-time supporters of UTSAH attended the launch, reaffirming their collective commitment to the protection and rehabilitation of child survivors in Assam.
