Workshop on “Functioning of Women and Children Desk in Police Stations”
Raipur : Center for Sustainable use of Natural and Social Resources (CSNR), a voluntary organization in Bhubaneswar was organized a Consultation Workshop on “Functioning of Women and Children Desk in Police Stations” at Hotel Grand Arjun, Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
Center for the Sustainable use of Natural and Social Resources (CSNR) has been working for people friendly and accountable policing system in Odisha for the past 9 years.
The workshop aimed to assess the effectiveness and challenges faced by Women and Children Desks in Police Stations in Odisha. This initiative is part of CSNR’s ongoing efforts for police reforms in the state. The event brought together key stakeholders including representatives from diverse backgrounds, such as Child commission, Retired police officer, legal experts, social activists, and members of civil society organizations. Participants engaged in insightful discussions, sharing their perspectives and experiences to identify areas for improvement.
The workshop featured presentations on various aspects related to the functioning of Women and Children Desks, including the role of police personnel, mechanisms for victim support, rehabilitation and legal frameworks. Also there were discussions on methodology and action plan for the study on “Functioning of Women and Child Desk in Police Stations”.
Distinguished guest speakers and participants from various domains, such as child rights, child welfare, law, and media were graced this workshop, who shared their valuable insights and expertise. They were: Ms. Lalita Mehera ( DSP, Raipur Police), Mr Sanjay Nirala (District Child Protection Officer , Raipur), Mr. Sarwat Naqbi (Former CWC President, Raipur & Child Rights Activist), Adv. Bhanjan Jangde (Library Secretary, Raipur Bar Association & Social Activist), Adv. Gayatri Suman (Bilaspur Court and Social Activist), Ms Garima Dwibedi (Manager, Women Helpline), Mr Netram (Ravi former JJB member and Director PATH) were present. Adv. Chandranath Dani and Ms. Pallishree Dash were present as representative of CSNR.
Ms. Lalita Mehera ( DSP, Raipur Police) shared facilities and schemes implemented by Raipur police, Mr Sanjay Nirala (District Child Protection Officer , Raipur) shared his opinion to enhancing the performance and expertise of Police Officers to manage smoothly the Women and Children Desk, Mr. Sarwat Naqbi (Former CWC President, Raipur & Child Rights Activist), Adv. Bhanjan Jangde (Library Secretary, Raipur Bar Association & Social Activist opined that there is a need for continuous evaluation and capacity-building initiatives to address existing gaps and enhance the effectiveness of these desks, Adv. Gayatri Suman (Bilaspur Court and Social Activist) shared that police officers should obey rules during Posco cases and other child related cases, Ms Garima Dwibedi (Manager, Women Helpline)shared that the operation of women helpline and support from women desk of police stations.
Participants emphasized the importance of providing specialized training to police personnel assigned to Women and Children Desks, fostering inter-agency collaboration, enhancing public awareness, and strengthening legal mechanisms to expedite justice for victims.
The insights gathered from the workshop will inform CSNR’s forthcoming study on the Functioning of Women and Children Desks in Police Stations, aimed at generating evidence-based recommendations for policy advocacy and institutional reform.
