https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Project AWAJ, A One Stop Solution to Address Domestic Abuse

IAS officer Abhilash Baranwal started Project AWAJ in East Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya to provide comprehensive assistance to women in distress 108 women have reached out to the project’s ‘one stop centres’ for help and 21 men underwent counselling The project uses street plays to depict various forms of abuse, enlightening rural people about the significance of recognizing and reporting such maltreatment
Indian Masterminds Stories

With the aim to empower women and break the barriers that prevent them from seeking justice against domestic abuse, IAS officer Abhilash Barnawal, Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, has launched Project AWAJ. The project centres around the establishment of One Stop Centres in rural areas, providing comprehensive assistance to women in need.

Speaking to Indian Masterminds, Mr. Baranwal shared about this initiative in detail.

ONE STOP CENTRE

The One Stop Centre, which was conceived in response to the Nirbhaya incident, offers a wide array of services under one roof, including police assistance, legal aid, paramedical support, and in-house counselling. Moreover, these centres act as temporary shelters for destitute women, ensuring their safety and security. Importantly, the initiative, Project AWAJ, aims to dispel common fears that deter women from seeking help, such as concerns about family disruption, social stigma, and the complexity of legal procedures.

PROJECT AWAJ

“Under Project AWAJ, funds have been allocated to these One Stop Centres to conduct awareness programs in villages across the region,” Mr. Baranwal informed. The approach involves using street plays to depict various forms of abuse, enlightening rural women about the significance of recognizing and reporting such maltreatment. Through case studies presented in a practical context, the initiative educates women on successful instances where others have sought assistance from One Stop Centres and found resolutions without enduring the complexities of legal processes.

ASSESSMENT

Crucially, the awareness programs employ a feedback mechanism to ensure comprehension. Assessment forms are distributed to participants, allowing organizers to gauge the effectiveness of the sessions. The officer further informed that this feedback loop enables Project AWAJ to tailor its approach and revisit villages if necessary, thereby ensuring that the message resonates with the women in these communities.

AWARENESS

Project AWAJ has not only increased awareness but has also inspired active participation. Remarkably, villagers themselves are now inviting One Stop Centre representatives to conduct awareness activities, showcasing the project’s impact. “Additionally, men have started engaging in these discussions, promoting a more inclusive dialogue on domestic abuse,” ADC Jonathan Shylla shared with Indian Masterminds.

The officer further informed that after the initiative, 108 women have reached out to one stop centres. Not only women, but 21 male members also underwent counselling.

To enhance accessibility, the initiative has appointed nodal persons within the audience, creating a network of support within the communities. Furthermore, every woman is equipped with the helpline number of the One Stop Centre, as well as the personal mobile number of the centre manager, ensuring immediate access to assistance when needed.

POSITIVE RESULT

Mr. Baranwal further stated that the results of Project AWAJ are already evident, with a significant rise in the number of complaints registered since its launch. Through monthly reviews, the project team meticulously examines each case, tracking the help sought and the status of resolution efforts.

Ms. B. Chadong who is the Centre Manager at One Stop Centres informed that, “before this initiative, we used to receive 1-2 cases per month, but now we receive up to 9-10 cases per month”.

Out of the 192 villages, 69 villages have been covered till now. The initiative is making substantial strides toward creating a safer environment for women, fostering a sense of security and empowerment that is invaluable in these rural communities.

Project AWAJ is an example to the power of awareness, education, and community engagement in bringing about positive change. Under the visionary leadership of IAS officer Abhilash Barnawal, this initiative has become a source of hope, illuminating the path towards a more just and equal society in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
IFCI-Ltd
IFCI Limited Receives ROC Approval for Three-Month AGM Extension; Meeting Rescheduled to October 29, 2025
GAIL PSU
GAIL Launches Free CNG Scheme in East Singhbhum to Boost Clean Transportation and Green Mobility
Banking Laws Amendment Act 2025
Depositors Get More Control: New Rules under Banking Laws Amendment Act 2025 to Allow Up to 4 Nominations from 1 Nov 2025
NLC-INDIA-resized-neyvili
NLC India Limited Earns Independent “CRISIL ESG 49” Rating, Highlighting Strong Commitment to Sustainability
MECL__54th_Foundation_Day
MECL Celebrates 54th Foundation Day with Heartfelt Tribute and Guard of Honour to CMD Indra Dev Narayan
NMDC Steel Ltd
NMDC Revises Iron Ore Prices Effective October 22, 2025, Impacting Steel and Infrastructure Sectors
NCL_Special_Safety_Review_Workshop
NCL Hosts Special Safety Review Workshop to Strengthen Mine Safety Through Digitization and Technology
NTPC_Talcher_Kaniha_in_collaboration_with_KVIC_
NTPC Talcher Kaniha Hosts Khadi Mahotsav to Promote Sustainability and Empower Village Industries
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
UPSC Journey Should Be Enjoyable, Not Cumbersome
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
The Many Facets of Former IRS Officer and Author, Giselle Mehta | Video Interview
IDES Saquib Alam
Beyond IAS and IPS: The Inspiring Work of an IDES officer | Video Interview 
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IAS Rupal Rana UPSC
How Rupal Rana Cracked UPSC CSE 2023 with AIR 26 After Four Attempts
UPSC Topper Rupal Rana secured AIR 26 in 2023 after four attempts. Learn her preparation strategy, booklist,...
Ankita Parashar RAS 2023
4 Attempts, 1 Dream, 0 Excuses: Meet RAS Topper Ankita Parashar, Who Fulfilled a Daughter’s Promise & Secured Rank 2 | Exclusive Interview
Ankita Parashar, a teacher-turned-officer from Pushkar, fulfilled her late father’s dream by securing...
Kushal Chaudhary RAS
From Lab Assistant’s Grit to Rajasthan Topper: How Kushal Chaudhary Topped RAS 2023 with Self-Study | Preparation, Strategy & Interview
Kushal Chaudhary, a farmer’s son and lab assistant from Ajmer, topped RAS 2023 through self-study, overcoming...
Social Media
IFS Parveen Kaswan
Heartbreak by the River: 15-Day-Old Elephant Calf Rejected by Mother, Rescued by IFS Parveen Kaswan and His Team
Jaldapra, West Bengal: In a moving incident that tugs at the heart, a 15-day-old elephant calf was rescued...
Ashwini Bhide IAS and Anand Mahindra
Who Is IAS Ashwini Bhide, Hailed as a Role Model for Mumbai Metro Transformation by Anand Mahindra?
From heritage to high-tech: Bhide’s leadership in Metro Line 3 earns public praise and admiration
World Rhino Day India
On World Rhino Day, IFS Officer Parveen Kaswan Shares Rare Insights - India Now Hosts 80% of the World’s One-Horned Rhinos
September 22 Marks Global Call for Rhino Conservation; India Holds 80% of World’s Greater One-Horned...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
IFCI-Ltd
IFCI Limited Receives ROC Approval for Three-Month AGM Extension; Meeting Rescheduled to October 29, 2025
GAIL PSU
GAIL Launches Free CNG Scheme in East Singhbhum to Boost Clean Transportation and Green Mobility
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
IDES Saquib Alam
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT