Kanth joined the IPS in 1974 and served in various positions, primarily in Delhi, during a law enforcement career that spanned more than three decades. He rose to the rank of Director General of Police (DGP) of Goa, followed by DGP of Arunachal Pradesh. He also served with the CBI, as Chief Vigilance Officer of the Delhi Jal Board, and as the founder of DCPCR (Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights) and DWSSC (Domestic Workers Sector Skill Council). His work includes a national-level study on child abuse in India with the Delhi Government and Action Aid.
Kanth held several posts, including those of DGP of Goa and DGP of Arunachal Pradesh. He received the President's Police Medal and a Gallantry Award for protecting civilians during the Delhi riots. He was involved in multiple investigations, including the assassinations of Rajiv Gandhi and Lalit Maken, as well as cases related to narcotics and child abuse.[2]
1988 to 2019 – Prayas and other causes
In 1988, Kanth founded Prayas, an organisation focused on the welfare, education, and protection of children, youth, women,[1] and other vulnerable groups through development activities involving individuals, corporations, NGOs, and the government.
Prayas JAC Society was established to support the welfare and rehabilitation of children in need of care and protection, as well as juveniles in conflict with the law. The organisation has since expanded its work to include child development and socio-economic support programmes for marginalised communities in various regions. As of today, Prayas operates about 315 centres and units, including 38 homes and shelters for children, the homeless, adults, and women across 13 states and union territories, serving an estimated 50,000 people. It supports women through Self-Help Groups, income-generation initiatives, and entrepreneurship training. Prayas employs 753 professionals and several hundred volunteers from India and abroad.
As team leader[3] of the National Study on Child Abuse (the Indian chapter of the UN study on Global Violence against Children), sponsored by the Govt. of India, UNICEF, and Save the Children UK, he was involved in research initiatives that informed national policy and program development.
He has contributed to policy discussions of the Indian Government and participated in youth-related initiatives of the UN, UNICEF, and the US government, as well as child and youth programs in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.[2]
Author
Kanth has published two books based on his police diaries: Khaki in Dust Storm and Khaki on Broken Wings. The first volume recounts investigations conducted during periods of political violence and security challenges, including the assassinations of Indira and Rajiv Gandhi, and the Delhi riots. The second volume details his accounts of high-profile criminal investigations and examines the criminal justice system.
Opposing the overturning of Section 377 and LGBT rights
Under his leadership, DCPCR appealed against the scrapping of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code.[7] In its arguments, attorney Amit Anand Tiwari, representing DCPCR, said: "We studied various materials from medical journals and found studies that show that children of LGBT parents were more prone to social stigmatisation. In decriminalising homosexuality, the High Court did not provide any protection as far as adoption laws were concerned – whether gay and lesbian couples can adopt children, and whether they have the right to adopt. These issues were not addressed by the High Court order". Kanth added: "Under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and under Indian laws, every child has a right to a family. And family is clearly defined as mother and father. Therefore, the High Court order was a direct denial of the child's right to a family and right to parenthood". The Commission's final submissions to the Supreme Court did not mention the issue of child rights protection.[7]
President's Police Medal and Gallantry Award for proactive policing and saving victims during the Delhi riots.
Outstanding Social Worker on Child Welfare award by the Government of NCT Delhi.
The U.S. State Department's Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP), 2005, cited Prayas as a model institution for childcare protection, rehabilitation, and social reintegration of at-risk children, particularly trafficking survivors in India.
Kumarappa-Reckless Award for contributions to legal reforms for children by the National Association of Criminology.
Life membership of the International Film and Television Club of the Asian Academy of Film & Television at Noida Film City, presented by Sandeep Marwah.
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