Cachar launches first-of-its-kind Digi CFRC to empower communities

SilcharCachar launches first-of-its-kind Digi CFRC to empower communities in crisis

: The Cachar District Administration on Wednesday, formally launched first -of- its -kind Digi CFRC (Community Facilitation and Resource Centre), a community-centric platform aimed at streamlining disaster assistance and improving access to government schemes. The inaugural programme was held at the Barak View Residency Hotel, Silchar, in the presence of senior officials, development partners, and community representatives. Addressing the gathering, Roktim Baruah, ACS, CEO of District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and Additional Deputy Commissioner of Cachar, outlined the vision of the Digi CFRC as a dynamic interface between administration and citizens. He stressed on the importance of seamless inter-departmental coordination to ensure that beneficiaries remain at the centre of all disaster response and welfare efforts. “We have learned through experience that when departments work in isolation, response suffers. The CFRC provides a platform to harmonize our efforts, pool resources, and keep the community at the heart of our planning,” Baruah stated. Presiding over the programme, Pranab Kumar Bora, ACS, CEO of Zilla Parishad, Cachar, formally inaugurated the Digi CFRC. In his keynote address, he highlighted the critical need for such a platform in Cachar’s rural context, where last-mile delivery and public awareness often pose challenges. “The CFRC is our answer to this challenge. By integrating technology, trained personnel, and awareness initiatives, we ensure that no one is left behind,” he stated. Representatives from UNICEF India, including Anand Kanu and Ananya Goswami, elaborated on the significance of embedding Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) principles into community practices and governance. They presented an overview of the current disaster risk landscape in Cachar, emphasizing vulnerabilities due to climate change, urbanization, and population growth. They also demonstrated how CFRCs can enhance community resilience by enabling proactive and coordinated preparedness. Dr Ritumani Das presented a detailed overview of the Digi CFRC manuals, underscoring their utility in facilitating disaster preparedness at the community level. The Secretary of the Inter-Agency Group (IAG), Cachar, outlined the operational guidelines of the CFRC, ensuring clarity of roles and responsibilities among all stakeholders. The Field Officer, Disaster Management, contextualized the CFRC within the framework of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms, highlighting how it aligns with existing funding mechanisms and disaster response protocols. The event concluded with a situation analysis exercise, wherein participants engaged in a simulated disaster scenario to test the CFRC’s readiness. The exercise demonstrated the centre’s capacity to coordinate resources, personnel, and real-time information to support affected communities effectively. With the launch of Digi CFRC, the Cachar District Administration has taken a significant step towards building more inclusive, resilient governance by ensuring that communities are empowered, informed, and actively involved in disaster planning and welfare delivery.