PASIGHAT, Sep 25: The Department of Women & Child Development (WCD), East Siang District, organized the grand inaugural session of “Aangan Ka Utsav” as part of Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026, alongside a Stakeholder Coordination Meeting under Mission Vatsalya and Mission Shakti, today at Pasighat.

The event was graced by Smti Sonalika Jiwani, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, East Siang District, as the Chief Guest, Shri Taying Tapak, ZPM Rani, attended as the Guest of Honour and Shri Tagom Padung, Chief Councillor, Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC), attended as the Special Guest.

The program officially commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest, accompanied by the East Siang Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba, IPS and other dignitaries.

Delivering the welcome address and key note, Smti M.T. Padung, Deputy Director (ICDS) cum District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), felicitated the guests and highlighted the objectives of Aangan Ka Utsav in promoting child health and nutrition. She emphasized the critical need to bridge inter-departmental coordination gaps to ensure the seamless execution of welfare initiatives under Mission Vatsalya and Mission Shakti across the district. To facilitate smoother inter-agency communication, she proposed the creation of a dedicated multi-departmental WhatsApp group for key stakeholders.

Addressing the gathering, the Superintendent of Police outlined ongoing efforts by the Police Department—including the Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU) and the Women Police Station—to ensure the safety and security of women and children in the district. The SP assured 24x7 support and seamless cooperation from the police force.

Contributions and actionable insights were also shared by Heads of Departments and representatives, including the District Medical Officer (DMO), Deputy Director of School Education (DDSE), District Labour Officer (DLO), Superintendent of SEED CCI, CA One Stop Centre (OSC), and PO/LPO of District Child Protection Unit (DCPU). All participating departments pledged enhanced inter-agency collaboration going forward.

In her keynote address, Chief Guest Smti Sonalika Jiwani, IAS Dy. Comissioner, commended the WCD Department for bringing all key stakeholders onto a single platform. She urged all line departments to operate in unison, emphasizing that collaborative inter-departmental action is vital to resolving field-level challenges and delivering effective services in the best interest of children.

The event was anchored by the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) Ruksin and concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by the HQ CDPO. (DIPRO)