In observance of Child Safety Awareness Week, the Thane Municipal Corporation’s (TMC) transport wing has launched a unique campaign ‘Protected By POCSO’. The campaign was launched to raise awareness about child sexual abuse and the protection afforded by the POCSO Act. Posters carrying the campaign’s message were displayed on Thane Transport Department buses to engage the public and highlight child safety measures.

The initiative was inaugurated through a collaborative program organized by the Office of Women and Child Development Department, Thane Municipal Corporation, and Arpan Social Society. Ten Thane Municipal Corporation buses are adorned with ‘Protected By POCSO’ posters, with plans to reach even more commuters as the campaign expands to 600 city buses. These buses, traveling major routes across Thane, aim to catch public attention at bus stops and busy roads, reminding citizens about the importance of child protection and the legal consequences of abuse.

The event saw participation from prominent figures, including Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao, Thane Collector Ashok Shingare, Thane Zilla Parishad CEO Rohan Ghuge, Divisional Deputy Commissioner of Mumbai Konkan Division Suvarna Pawar, and Additional Commissioner Prashant Rode. Their collective efforts underscore a commitment to making Thane a safer place for children.

District Magistrate Ashok Shingare emphasized the campaign’s goal, stating, “The safety of children is paramount. Initiatives like Protected By POCSO send a clear message that child sexual abuse is intolerable and perpetrators will face severe legal consequences. By working with Arpan Sanstha and Thane Municipal Corporation, we aim to foster a society where every child is safe.”

Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao highlighted the importance of public engagement, noting, “Running the #ProtectedByPOCSO campaign in partnership with Arpan Sanstha is a step toward making Thane a safer city for children. This initiative will remind citizens of the available safety mechanisms and the consequences of child sexual abuse.”

Pooja Tapadia, founder and CEO of Arpan, added, “With this partnership, the #ProtectedByPOCSO campaign will reach millions of commuters, taking another step to make public spaces safer for children.”

As part of this effort, public education on child sexual abuse and legal protections will be emphasized, reinforcing that such crimes are unacceptable. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 42% of crimes against children in India are of a sexual nature, underscoring the urgency of awareness and prevention efforts.