District-level consultation in Cachar reinforces collective action for safer online spaces

way2barak, December 11:–“A strong and coordinated strategy of prevention and response is essential for ensuring digital safety and safeguarding our women and children,” asserted Cachar’s District Commissioner, Mridul Yadav, IAS, delivering an elaborate and thought-provoking address that set a compelling tone for the District-Level Stakeholder Consultation held under the 16 Days Campaign to End Violence Against Women at the new conference hall of DC’S office here on Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion, The District Commissioner emphasised that digital spaces today are as critical as physical ones, often becoming the first point of contact for young individuals. He expressed concern that children and women remain particularly vulnerable to misuse of technology, stressing that without institutional awareness and timely intervention, online threats can easily spill over into real-life harm.

Expanding on the idea of a two-pronged strategy, he underlined that prevention must begin with strong awareness at the grassroots level, digital literacy for families, and proactive monitoring of online behaviour patterns that may lead to exploitation. He stated that the schools, parents, community workers, and administrative departments need to collectively build an environment where children are guided on safe online practices, understand the risks of unknown links, online friendships, and suspicious digital interactions, and know when to seek help.

He further stressed that response mechanisms must be swift, coordinated, and victim-centric. Highlighting rising incidents of cyberbullying, phishing, online harassment, and financial frauds, the District Commissioner stated that most victims either do not understand the severity of the threat or hesitate to report incidents. He encouraged all departments to ensure that every case, however minor it may seem, is taken seriously and addressed through proper channels involving the police, legal authorities, counsellors, and social protection units.

DC Yadav also connected digital safety with wider social issues such as child marriage and elopement, explaining that many such cases are rooted in unchecked online interactions. He emphasised that an alert administration, vigilant parents, and well-informed educators could reduce such incidents significantly. He urged stakeholders to integrate digital monitoring tools, community awareness campaigns, and district-wide sensitisation programmes into their regular operation.

He further highlighted the importance of inter-departmental coordination, stating that digital safety cannot be ensured by a single department working in isolation. Only through constant communication between the Police Department, Women and Child Development, DLSA, DCPU, Education Department, NGOs, and support structures like CWC and OSC can the district build a protective digital ecosystem.

Calling for a forward-looking approach, the District Commissioner encouraged stakeholders to view digital safety as a cornerstone of modern governance. He reiterated that cyber protection must evolve continuously, keeping pace with new forms of online manipulation, fraud, and abuse. “Our responsibility is not just to react but to anticipate emerging risks, strengthen our systems, and empower every individual,especially women and children to navigate the digital world safely,” he added.

It is pertinent to mention here that the programme was organised by the Sankalp Hub for Empowerment of Women, Cachar, under the authority of the Department of Women and Child Development, and witnessed participation from Anjali Kumari, ACS, Assistant Commissioner cum incharge district social welfare officer.

Key stakeholders including Police Department representatives, DLSA, ASRLM, Health Department, Local Complaint Committee (POSH), Education Department, NGOs, DCPU, CWC, OSC, and several district-level partners also participated in the event.

The consultation covered wide-ranging discussions on digital threats, legal safeguards, financial safety in the digital landscape, and women’s workplace rights under POSH, 2013. Through meaningful dialogue and cross-departmental engagement, the event significantly strengthened mutual understanding and collective readiness to address digital challenges.

This is stated in a press release issued by Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone Silchar Assam.