Sri Vijaya Puram, July 26: Strengthening awareness of child rights and legal protections, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, conducted a legal awareness programme at Government Girls’ Senior Secondary School, Sri Vijaya Puram, focusing on child protection laws, personal safety and access to legal aid for students.
The programme aimed to familiarise students with their legal rights, child protection mechanisms and the legal aid services available under the Legal Services Authorities Act. The awareness session featured Family Court Judge Lilamoy Mondal, Judicial Magistrate First Class-cum-Civil Judge (Junior Division), 1st Court, Sanjay Dutta, and Judicial Magistrate First Class-cum-Civil Judge (Junior Division), 2nd Court, Jayanta Mukherjee as resource persons.
The programme covered key issues relating to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, child safety and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, with the speakers highlighting the legal safeguards available to children and the importance of awareness in preventing offences.
Lilamoy Mondal delivered a session on the POCSO Act, explaining the legal protections available to children, the importance of reporting offences and the role of the judiciary in ensuring justice for child victims.
Sanjay Dutta addressed students on the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and child safety. He spoke about the legal consequences of child marriage, its impact on society, children’s rights and the responsibility of citizens in preventing the practice.
Jayanta Mukherjee focused on child safety, highlighting children’s rights, personal safety, cyber awareness and preventive measures against abuse. He also informed students about various National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) schemes and the legal assistance available through the District Legal Services Authority.
During his address, Mukherjee also highlighted the Child Helpline 1098 and the NALSA National Legal Aid Helpline 15100, encouraging students to seek legal assistance whenever required.
The awareness programme witnessed active participation from students, teachers and school staff, who interacted with the resource persons during the session and discussed issues related to child protection and legal awareness.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Principal of Government Girls’ Senior Secondary School.
