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Hon’ble Cabinet Minister Smt Annpurna Devi, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Govt. of India visited SPNIWCD, Regional Centre, Guwahati, Assam to review the important issues related to SPNIWCD, Guwahati on November 30, 2024. Hon’ble Minister is the first Union Minister to visit SPNIWCD Guwahati.

The first Regional Centre of the Institute was established at Guwahati on 14th November, 1978 to cater to the regional requirements of research and training in the field of women and child development in the seven North Eastern States. Later on, the jurisdiction of Regional Centre Guwahati was expanded to include the states of Odisha, Sikkim and West Bengal. However, at present Regional Centre, Guwahati is catering to training needs of eight Northeastern States namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. The Regional Centre is headed by a Regional Director. The Regional Director is assisted by the faculty members on all academic matters and the Assistant Administrative Officer and the Accounts Officer on matters relating to the administration and accounts respectively.

After its inception in 1978, the Regional Centre, Guwahati was functioning from 13 cottages is provided by the Government of Assam at Borstal Home complex at Beltola, Guwahati till September 1999. In the meantime the Institute procured about five acres of land from the Government of Assam at a prime location at Jawaharnagar, Khanapara, Guwahati and built its own campus with a cost of approximately 7.30 crores. The Institute shifted to its new campus in September 1999. The construction of the complex was subsequently completed and was formally inaugurated by His Excellency Governor of Assam Lt. Gen (Retd.) S.K.Sinha, PVSM in the presence of Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, then Minister of State for Human Resource Development Govt. of India and Chairperson SPNIWCD on 6th October 2001

In the fiscal year 2022- 2023, the Regional Centre in Guwahati organized a total of 60 training programs, attracting 2408 participants seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge in various facets of women and child development. These programs served as crucial platforms for capacity building and knowledge exchange. Among these training initiatives, 19 were dedicated to the Anganwadi Service scheme, focusing on improving early childhood care and education. Additionally, 7 programs were tailored to address Child Development issues, aiming to ensure the holistic well-being of children. Further, 12 programs were dedicated to Mission Shakti, emphasizing women empowerment and safety. Lastly, 22 programs centered around the theme of Mission Vatsalya, underscoring the significance of nurturing and caring for children, reflecting the multifaceted approach adopted by the Regional Centre to address the diverse developmental needs of the region.

Likewise, in the year 2023-24, the Institute organised a total of 82 training programs, comprising of 3141 participants. Out of the total trainings, 52 were dedicated to the Anganwadi Service scheme including 35 exclusive trainings on PBPB, 7 programs were tailored to address Child Development issues, aiming to ensure the holistic well-being of children. Further, 7 programs were dedicated to Mission Shakti, emphasizing women empowerment and safety. Lastly, 16 programs centered around the theme of Mission Vatsalya.

In the year 2024-25, the Institute organised a total of 108 training programs and trained 5294 participants in the three Missions. Out of the total trainings, two Job Training Courses were organised for CDPOs and Supervisors respectively of Anganwadi Service scheme. A total of 28 programmes were organised for Functionaries of Mission Vatsalya including one Induction Training for Social Worker Members of Juvenile Justice Boards. The trainings conducted for Mission Shakti is 16. Seven programs were tailored to address Child Development issues, aiming to ensure the holistic well-being of children. A total of 55 programmes were conducted on Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi (PBPB).

Apart from training, the Institute also conducts Research and Evaluation studies which are an integral part of the work of the Institute. Few significant research studies are highlighted below:

Sl. No.	Name of the study	Highlights
1	Developing a Database on NGOs Working in Eastern Region	It documented detailed information of 521 NGOs working for women and children in the Region
2	Documentation on Good Practices in respect of Nutritional Care of Children in NE India	It documented infant and young child feeding practices focusing on traditional/ indigenous food highlighting the nutritive values. A Handbook and a documentary of 15 minutes duration was made as a part of the project
3	Study on Trends of Trafficking in Assam	The study focused on the problems of trafficking in Assam and highlighted on ways and means for addressing and preventing trafficking. 21 NGOs implementing Ujjawala scheme were studied .
4	An exploratory study of food fads and fallacies and myth during pregnancy and lactation among the tribes and non-tribes of Assam	The study focused on indigenous food included and excluded during pregnancy and lactation with special reference to practices followed during child birth.
5	Traditional Child Protection Mechanisms in Tribal Societies of Arunachal Pradesh: An Exploratory Study	The study focused on traditional child protection mechanisms among different tribal communities of Arunachal Pradeshtd>
6	Services for HIV/ AIDS Affected Children in N.E. Region	The study was conducted in Mizoram and Nagaland and highlighted the services at Govt. and non-govt. level for children affected by HIV/AIDS
7	Exploring Impact of Early Learning, Socialization and School Readiness Experiences in Preschool Settings on Educational and behavioural outcomes along the primary stage	The study was conducted in collaboration with CECED, Ambedkar University, Delhi. The study focussed on assessment of quality of ECCED services in Assam
8	Documentation of Indigenous Plays and Play Materials for Children up to Eight Years of Age in NE Region	The study documented – 117 indigenous plays/games and play materials and also lullabies and folk stories, etc. prevalent among different ethnic groups of North East India. Documentation included compilation of illustrative book and a documentary of 22 minutes duration.
9	A study on the counselling services in the Child Care Institutions of Meghalaya	The study analyzed the quality of counselling services in CCIs of Meghalaya and recommended measures for improving the quality of counselling in CCIs.
10	A Study on supply and use of MCP Card in Assam	The study focused on supply, distribution, utilization of MCP Card in the Anganwadi Centres.
11	A study of Learning Problems in Children: An Analysis of the Cases of CGC, Guwahati	The study documented the process and methods of assessment, contributory factors, intervention provided by CGC and good practices adopted during 2012-15 for learning disabilities, slow learners and ADHD. .
12	Documentation of Cases of Child Guidance Centre	The cases registered in the Child Guidance Centre were documented with information on diagnosis, services provided reference and follow ups.
13	A Study on Trends of Unlawful Activities among Children in Assam and Nagaland	Nearly half of the children in Assam and the large majority of the children In Nagaland covered under the study had to say that, their motive behind their illegal activities was to earn some money
14	A Study on Hygiene Practices of Women and Children living in Rural and Urban Areas of Assam	The study highlighted that for financial problem, lack of time, lack of knowledge or lack of awareness and following traditional methods about personal hygiene are impeding factors in following hygienic practices. Among children, the study found that with increasing age awareness regarding hygiene improves.
15	A Study on Assessment of Efficacy of Vertical Training Programmes for ICDS Functionaries in North Eastern States	The study confined to those North eastern states, in which Vertical Training organized during last three years 2014-15, 2015-16 & 2016-17. Almost all district level officers, CDPOs, Supervisors and AWWS admitted that the vertical training programme was useful to them.
16	An Action Project to Support Children Home Fatasil Ambari	The study confined to the children inmates of Fatasil Ambari Children Home.
17	Exploratory Study on Indigenous Foods among the Tribals of North Eastern Region	The study documented a total of 353 indigenous foods. Out of the total, 161 recipes were cooked by using the method of boiling, steaming (17), stewing (25), roasting (33), grilling (07), frying (38) and combination of cooking methods (19). About six indigenous foods used the method of drying, smoking (03), grinding (03), preservation (01), fermentation (22) and combination of processing methods (01). Thirteen indigenous foods were either consumed in raw form or prepared with the combination of cooking and processing methods.

The Campus

The Institute functions from its own building at Jawaharnagar, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022. The present complex of the Regional Centre, Guwahati consists of the Administrative and Academic Block, the Hostel Block and the residential quarters in a picturesque location.

The Administrative and Academic Block has one Conference Hall, and three Classrooms with different sitting capacities, one library and administrative units. The Regional Centre is equipped with all modern state of the art facilities for conducting training programmes.

Library

The library of the Institute has a rich collection of about 8000 Books and about 6000 other documents such as reference material, annual report, newspaper clippings, research study, reading material, course reports, bound volumes, gratis books, old periodicals etc. A total of 16 Newspaper & Magazines and 25 Journals (current & back volume) of National and International Journals on the relevant subjects are subscribed. Besides the faculty of the institute, the library is frequently consulted by students of ADCGC, participants of different programmes, research scholars of different Universities, Colleges, Intern students, Project staff of the Institute and other allied institutes of N.E. Region.

The Institute’s hostel has the capacity to accommodate 80 people with well-furnished double-bedded rooms and also has four guest rooms and a guest suite.

ADCGC at Regional Centre,Guwahati in affiliation with Guwahati University

The Advanced Diploma in Child Guidance and Counselling (ADCGC) offered by the SPNIWCD, Regional Centre, Guwahati from October 20, 2021 which is a beacon of hope for professionals committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children and families. The objective of running the course is to cater to the need for trained mental health professionals and counsellors in the NE Region to work in the area of child guidance and counselling. The Course is affiliated to Guwahati University. The curriculum of ADCGC is developed by SPNIWCD, New Delhi. Initially the seat capacity was 20. However, from 2024-25, the seat capacity of the course was increased to 25. The course is recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). The course has completed four successful academic batches and is currently embarking on its fifth batch in 2025-2026.

Who is Who

Name	Designation	Phone	Fax	E-Mail Address
Dr. Sanghamitra Barik	Regional Director (I/c)	0361-2301519	0361-2301519	sbarik.nipccd@gov.in
Shri Chand Ram	Deputy Director (Accts)	9425316978	0361-2301519	chandram.nipccd@gov.in
Dr. Ritu Geu Goswami	Deputy Director	9707010105	0361-2301519	ritugeu.nipccd@gov.in
Mrs. Thangzamawi Guite	Assistant Director	9435559405	0361-2301084	thangza.nipccd@gov.in
Mrs. Kashmiri Boruah	Assistant Director	9706011496	0361-230151984	kashmiri.nipccd@gov.in
Dr. Swapan Shaw	Research Assistant	9614854986	0361-2301519	swapanra.nipccd@gov.in
Ms. Pranami K Tamuly	Assistant Director	95607 44211	-	pranami.nipccd@gov.in

Schemes

Child Guidance Centre

Regional Centre, Guwahati commissioned its Child Guidance Centre during the year 2003 with the objectives of providing diagnostic, counseling, therapeutic and referral services for children with developmental, behavioral and learning problem; to plan need-based preventive services for the target groups (from birth to 12 years); to empower the pre-schools and schools to integrate supportive mental health services; to create effective referral network for diagnostic, therapeutic and referral services for children with developmental, behavioral and learning problems; and to use as a demonstration centre related to these issues for the participants of the different training programme organized by the institute.

Equipped with all modern amenities and manned by a team consisting of Paediatrician/Psychiatrist, Clinical Psychologist, Special Educator, Social Worker, Speech Therapist and Physiotherapist, the Child Guidance Centre is regularly serving children with behavioral, learning, speech and physical problems, intellectual disablity, Down Syndrome, ADHD, Autism etc. from within and outside Guwahati. A significant number of children with such problems are now regularly being referred to CGC of Regional Centre Guwahati by Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Special Schools, School Teachers, ICDS Functionaries and other physicians.

SERVICES PROVIDED & ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT BY THE CENTRE

A range of services comprising of clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic as well as referral services are provided to children with developmental delay neurodevelopmental disorders, disabilities, and children with behavioral/socio-emotional issues by a team of multidisciplinary professionals by carrying out numerous activities. Networking with parents, schools, teachers, medical practitioners, etc. to facilitate access to services of CGC and spread awareness.

PARENTAL WORKSHOP

Outreach activities in the form of Parental Workshops are organized with an objective to sensitize and spreading awareness among the general masses especially parents about various issues of concern related to child growth and development. Many of the parental workshops were conducted in collaboration with schools and AWCs located in an around Guwahati.

SUPPORT SERVICES TO CHILD CARE INSTITUTUIONS

The Child Guidance Centre of the Institute has been extending all its services to children in Child Care Institutions as well. Children referred from Child Care Institutions, mostly comes with behavioural issues, poor academic performance, emotional issue. Psychological assessment is administered as per the need and based on the findings psychotherapy sessions are conducted. Some cases also come for IQ assessments for school admission.

INTERNSHIP FACILITIES TO STUDENTS FROM DIFFERENT INSTITUTIONS

Child Guidance Centre serves as a learning repository and place to gain first hand practical experience of working with children for students pursuing their Post-Graduation that helps to meet their curricular requirement.

Apart from this, the CGC also serves as a practical laboratory for all the students undergoing Advance Diploma in Child Guidance and Counselling at Regional Centre Guwahati. CGC facilitates to provide the practical exposure to these students wherein they practise the conscious use of the theoretical knowledge in the practical field.

Contact Person :

Ms. Pranami K Tamuly

Assistant Director

9560744211

pranami.nipccd@gov.in

Advanced Diploma in Child Guidance and Counselling (ADCGC)

The Centre is running a One Year Advanced Diploma in Child Guidance and Counselling. The objective of running the course is to cater to the need for trained mental health professionals and counsellors in the NE Region to work in the area of child guidance and counselling. The Course is affiliated to Guwahati University. The curriculum of ADCGC is developed by SPNIWCD, New Delhi. Total seat capacity of the course is 20.

Introduction:

The Advanced Diploma in Child Guidance and Counselling (ADCGC) offered by the SPNIWCD, Regional Centre, Guwahati from October 20, 2021 which is a beacon of hope for professionals committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children and families. The objective of running the course is to cater to the need for trained mental health professionals and counsellors in the NE Region to work in the area of child guidance and counselling. The Course is affiliated to Guwahati University. The curriculum of ADCGC is developed by SPNIWCD, New Delhi. Total seat capacity of the course is 20. The course is recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). The course has completed two successful academic batches and is currently embarking on its third batch in 2023-2024.

ADCGC Campus in SPNIWCD Regional Centre, Guwahati

Vision:

The vision of the ADCGC course is as inspiring as it is profound: to create avenues for both professional and personal growth for individuals working within child-related systems. Central to this vision is the belief that every child possesses inherent potential waiting to be realized. Grounded in developmental, ecological, and rights-based perspectives, the course empowers learners to plan and execute mental health activities that enable and empower children and their families across various contexts, from individual to community settings.

ADCGC students planning mental health activities with parents and children

Program Structure:

The ADCGC course spans a duration of 10 months, followed by a 2-month internship, providing a holistic and immersive learning experience. It is meticulously designed to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and perspective needed to function effectively as mental health professionals. With a comprehensive curriculum comprising nine papers, the course focuses on developing competencies in assessing children and their contexts, conducting individual interventions, and designing need-based mental health programs. Through the ADCGC course, learners are given various opportunities to gain a deep understanding of theoretical constructs, engage in self-development, and acquire practical skills through experiential and action-oriented learning. The internship component offers students the opportunity to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experience under the guidance of experienced mentors.

Success and Diversity:

The success of the ADCGC is reflected in the remarkable 100% pass percentage achieved by students from both previous batches. Hailing from diverse states such as Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya, Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, students bring a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives to the course. With the first batch comprising 16 students, the second with 20, and the current batch also consisting of 20 students, the ADCGC continues to attract learners from across the nation.

Conduction of Parent Child Interaction Therapy by ADCGC students as part of their CGC placements

Celebration of various awareness programs

Play Room Decoration (1)

Play Room Decoration (2)

Community Outreach and Exposure Visits:

In addition to academic achievements, the ADCGC students under the guidance of the faculty of the Institute, have actively engaged in community outreach programs and exposure visits to enhance their understanding and practical application of mental health principles. Conducting ten outreach programs in the Kamrup (Metro) district of Assam, students have addressed various mental health issues, such as "Silencing Stigma: Empowering Minds," "Role of Parents in Ensuring Mental Wellbeing of Children," "Identification and Management of Aggression in Children," and others. These outreach programs demonstrate their commitment to applying their knowledge and skills for the betterment of society.

Various Community Outreach Programs conducted by ADCGC Students

Additionally, as part of the curriculum's emphasis on inclusion, integration, and mainstreaming in educational settings, students have organized exposure visits to Institutions located in Guwahati such as Composite Regional Centre (CRC), Guwahati, Shishu Sarothi (A registered organisation working for and with children and persons with disabilities in Assam and NE India), and Bright Beginning Pre-school. These visits provide practical exposure to concepts of reworking school environments, particularly focusing on children with special needs. During these visits, students observe and learn from various programs and initiatives implemented at these Institutes, gaining insight into how they facilitate the inclusion of persons with disabilities in different aspects of society, including education.

Conclusion:

As the Advanced Diploma in Child Guidance and Counselling course at SPNIWCD, Regional Centre Guwahati, enters its third academic batch, it remains steadfast in its commitment to transforming futures and nurturing compassionate and skilled professionals. By empowering practitioners with the tools and knowledge needed to support children and families in their journey towards wellness, the ADCGC stands as a beacon of excellence in the field of child and adolescent mental health.

Contact Person:

Mrs. Thangzamawi Guite

Assistant Director

9435559405

0361-2301084

thangza.nipccd@gov.in

Training Programmes

S.No.	Regional Centre Guwahati	Total Number of Programmes
1	Saksham Anganwadi 2.0 & PBPB	42
2	Mission Vatsalya	18
3	Mission Shakti	16
4	Child Development	6

Training Participants

S.No.	Regional Centre Indore	Total Number of Participants
1	Saksham Anganwadi 2.0 & PBPB	2404
2	Mission Vatsalya	803
3	Mission Shakti	691
4	Child Development	231

Contact Us

Regional Centre - Guwahati
Jawaharnagar, Khanapara
Guwahati – 781022.

Phone: 0361-2301519

Email:spniwcdghy@gmail.com

Government of India

Ministry of Women and Child Development