NAHARLAGUN, 29 Jul: The Women and Child Development (WCD) Department inaugurated and activated an outdoor LED-based ‘video wall display’on the premises of the emergency medicine and trauma department of the TRIHMS, under Mission Vatsalya.
The programme was attended by TRIHMS Director Dr Naba Kumar Bezbaruah, besides Chief Medical Superintendent Dr Dukhum Raina, Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr Rejum Ronya, WCD Director (i/c) Machi Gao, Deputy Director (HQ) Kina Takka, doctors, nursing officials, WCD officials, and staff.
Upon activation, the display began streaming an awareness video on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and legal adoption, aimed at raising public awareness of child protection, and promoting ethical adoption practices.
Takka expressed gratitude to the TRIHMS for providing space for the installation of an outdoor LED video wall display.
Gao spoke on the importance of leveraging digital platforms under Mission Vatsalya to disseminate vital information on the POCSO Act 2012, child rights, child safety, and legal adoption. She emphasised that the installation of the LED video wall at the TRIHMS would ensure continuous outreach to thousands of visitors and patients, thereby strengthening public awareness and community engagement.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Bezbaruah appreciated the department’s effort in creating awareness among the public, and lauded the initiative as remarkable, noting that it addresses sensitive and vital issues concerning the safety, rights, and welfare of children.
Dr Raina in his address appreciated the department’s initiative, and underscored the importance of sustained public awareness to prevent crimes against children and encourage responsible reporting of child protection concerns.
He commended the department’s efforts to use innovative communication tools to promote child welfare and safeguard children’s rights.
Technical queries raised during the session were answered by CDPO (HQ) Bahi Koyu.
The outdoor LED wall display has been established under Mission Vatsalya to ensure sustained public awareness on the POCSO Act, 2012, along with its 2019 amendment and 2020 rules, which aim to protect children from sexual offences, ensure child-friendly reporting and investigation procedures, and provide speedy trials through special courts.
Under Rule 3 (2), the central and state governments must spread awareness about the Act through public places (such as schools, railway stations, airports, and community centres) and online platforms, including the internet and social media.
As part of this initiative, the department has developed awareness videos, and distributed comic books and pamphlets explaining the provisions of the POSCO Act, 2012 and children’s legal rights.
In addition, the department has produced two awareness videos on legal adoption, explaining the legal adoption process, raising awareness about the dangers and legal consequences of illegal adoption practices, and emphasising that any adoption carried out outside the prescribed legal procedures is an offence and may attract penal action.
Mission Vatsalya is a centrally-sponsored scheme under the Women and Child Development Ministry, implemented through the states and union territories to deliver services for children in need of care and protection and children in conflict with law, including institutional and non-institutional care.
