‘Policy Dialogue on Situational Analysis of Children and Women in Assam’ held in Omeo Kumar Das Institute Of Social Change and Development.

The Omeo Kumar Das Institute Of Social Change and Development (OKDISCD), in association with UNICEF, Assam, recently organised a two-day ‘Policy Dialogue on Situational Analysis of Children and Women in Assam’ in order to mark the UNICEF’s Country Programme (2018-22). The programme was held at the conference hall of the institute. The programme was held as part of a series of consultations to be held in four states, namely, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura.

Dr Tushar Rane, Chief, UNICEF Office for Assam, gave the opening speech and set the agenda for the workshop. The Director of the Institute, Prof Bhupen Sarmah, welcomed the guests. The workshop witnessed many participants including members from various NGO’s and academic institutions of the State. Presentations were made on UNICEF’s priority areas like reproductive and child health, child development and nutrition, water and sanitation, education and child protection. The presentations gave a sketch of the present situation and the challenges faced in these areas of Assam. There were areas divided amongst six groups wherein the members of the group discussed on thematic areas and identified the issues and recommended solutions accordingly. In addition, discussions were held regarding bridging the gap in many areas of Assam like, ‘children and women affected by violence’, ‘tribal and six scheduled areas’, hard to reach areas including, river islands’, children in urbanised Assam and evolving issues’, ‘natural disasters and climate change affected areas’ and ‘children and women in tea gardens’.

The recommendations of the group discussions were forwarded for incorporation in the UNICEF’s Country Programme for India (2018-22).

Source: Darshana Brahma, City Journalist, Guwahati, CollegeDekho