Assam Police honour officers for child protection work through the prestigious Sishu Mitra Awards 2025. On January 9, 2026, the department held a high-profile ceremony at the Assam Police Institute in Ulubari. This event recognized the exceptional contributions of personnel who demonstrated empathy and accountability while handling sensitive cases involving children. The awards highlight the state’s transition toward a more compassionate and rights-based policing system.
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Assam Police Honour Officers for Child Protection Work Across All Ranks
The 2025 edition of the awards saw a wide range of personnel receiving accolades for their service. Specifically, Assam Police honour officers for child protection work ranging from the rank of Inspector General of Police (IGP) to Sub-Inspectors. This inclusivity ensures that both high-level strategists and field-level investigating officers feel motivated. Director General of Police (DGP) Harmeet Singh presented the awards, emphasizing that every officer plays a critical role in the “Sishu Mitra” (Friend of the Child) ecosystem.
Key awardees recognized during the ceremony include:
- Devojyoti Mukherjee, IPS (IGP, Border)
- Barun Purkayastha, IPS (SSP, Sonitpur)
- Nabaneet Mahanta, APS (SSP, Goalpara)
- Muzaffar Hussain, APS (ASP, Udalguri)
- Inspector Charan Mohan Singha Chetia (Charaideo)
- Several Sub-Inspectors for their meticulous work in POCSO investigations.
Strengthening the Sishu Mitra Programme Framework
The Sishu Mitra Programme, launched in 2019, is a collaborative initiative between the Assam Police, UNICEF, and the UTSAH Child Rights Organisation. Because Assam Police honour officers for child protection work, the programme has gained significant momentum over the years. It focuses on training officers to handle children with psychological sensitivity rather than traditional interrogation methods.
Transitioning to this child-centric model has led to several systemic improvements:
- Faster Investigations: Dedicated Sishu Mitra desks help close POCSO cases more quickly.
- Child-Friendly Spaces: Many police stations now feature colorful, non-intimidating corners for child victims.
- Better Conviction Rates: Professional and empathetic evidence collection has strengthened cases in court.
- Awareness Drives: The programme reached over 100,000 children during Child Rights Week in late 2025.
Focus on Justice and Empathetic Investigation
During the ceremony, senior officials reiterated that the focus remains on ensuring justice for child victims. Since Assam Police honour officers for child protection work, the department sets a standard for adherence to the POCSO Act and Juvenile Justice laws. The DGP noted that the “Sishu Mitra Resource Centre” now serves as a hub for legal and psychosocial support, helping victims navigate the complex judicial process.
Moreover, the awards recognize officers who go “above and beyond” their standard duties. For example, some officers were honored for preventing child marriages, while others received praise for rescuing children from trafficking rings. These stories of bravery and kindness serve as an inspiration for the entire force. The government believes that a child-friendly police force is the foundation of a civilized and safe society.
Institutionalizing Child Rights in Policing
The state government plans to institutionalize these dialogues as a recurring forum. By doing so, they aim to bridge the gaps between the police, the judiciary, and child welfare committees. The Chief Minister’s vision for a “Crime-Free Assam” for children is the driving force behind these initiatives. As more officers receive training, the cultural shift within the police stations becomes more visible to the public.
Furthermore, the partnership with UNICEF provides the police with international best practices. This ensures that the Assam Police honour officers for child protection work using globally recognized metrics of success. The 2025 awards ceremony concluded with a pledge by all attending officers to continue their work with integrity, making Assam a benchmark for child-friendly policing in India.
The Sishu Mitra Awards 2025 represent a significant milestone for the state. Since the Assam Police honour officers for child protection work, the bond between the community and law enforcement continues to strengthen. By celebrating empathy alongside efficiency, the department is fostering an environment where children feel protected rather than afraid. As these award-winning officers return to their districts, they carry the responsibility of leading by example and upholding the rights of the most vulnerable citizens.
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