Unleashing ‘Chota Cop’ Power for Safer Streets- Lead Agency on Road Safety, Assam Unites with Young Indians, Guwahati
Guwahati, Rongili Barta- The Lead Agency on Road Safety under the Transport Department, Government of Assam, and Young Indians (Yi), Guwahati vertical, have officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the “Chota Cop” project. The MoU signing ceremony, held on 19th December, 2023 at the office of the Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, Transport Department, marked a significant step towards enhancing road safety awareness among children in schools across Guwahati, Assam, India. The ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Adil Khan, IAS, Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, Transport Department, who played a pivotal role in endorsing the collaboration. Shri Gaurav Upadhyay, IPS, Additional Secretary to the Government of Assam, Transport Department and Head of the Lead Agency on Road Safety, Assam, signed the MoU. The event also witnessed the presence of Shri Rahul Chandra Das, Managing Director, ASTC, along with members of Young Indians, Guwahati Chapter. Shri Adil Khan, IAS, stated, “This collaboration signifies our commitment to fostering a culture of road safety from a young age. The Chota Cop project aligns perfectly with our vision for responsible citizenship, where children play a pivotal role in shaping road safety norms.” Chota Cop, initiated by Young Indians in 2018, is a unique learning and awareness program designed to engage children in understanding and implementing basic road safety rules. The program utilizes an innovative report card format, empowering children with Road Safety Rules by providing them with essential knowledge about road safety regulations, tagging them as Chota Cop of the House by recognizing and celebrating their role as ambassadors of road safety. This will also engage children in monitoring driving patterns of parents and influencing the driving behaviours of their parents. Shri Gaurav Upadhyay, IPS, expressed his eagerness, saying, “The ‘Chota Cop’ project is a testament to our collective efforts towards creating a safer road environment. Empowering children as ambassadors of road safety will undoubtedly contribute to building a better tomorrow.” The collaboration between the Lead Agency on Road Safety and Young Indians, Guwahati Vertical, represents a significant stride in promoting road safety awareness and instilling responsible behaviours from an early age. Young Indians, an integral part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), established in 2002, has been at the forefront of fostering the dreams of a developed nation among the youth. The MoU sets the groundwork for a collaborative effort to leverage the skills, knowledge, and assets of both the organization for mutual benefit. The joint project, “Chota Cop,” aims to instil awareness about road safety among school children in Guwahati, Assam. Expressing gratitude Vinil Todi, Chair Road Safety Vertical, Yi Guwahati chapter stated “It’s proud moment for Yi Guwahati chapter to be associated with Govt. of Assam and to join hands to promote road safety initiative among school students”