TAWANG, Oct 29: PM SHRI School Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Tawang in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Tawang organised a Legal Awareness Programme under ‘Surakshit Bachpan Abhiyan’, a Pan-India School Awareness Campaign aimed at promoting child protection, legal awareness, personal safety and children's rights.
The programme sought to empower students with the knowledge and confidence to recognise unsafe situations, understand their legal rights and look for timely assistance to prevent abuse, exploitation and other violations of children's rights.
The awareness session was conducted by advocates Sonam Zangmu and Lobsang Tashi, who sensitised students on various legal safeguards and provisions designed to protect children and ensure their welfare, dignity and access to justice.
The session covered several important legislations, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012; the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, as amended; the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005; laws prohibiting child marriage; the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009; and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
Through informative and interactive discussions, the advocates explained the importance of these legal provisions in safeguarding children against sexual abuse, exploitation, child labour, early marriage and other forms of abuse and neglect. Students were encouraged to speak up against wrongdoing, identify potentially harmful situations and approach trusted adults and appropriate authorities whenever they feel unsafe or require assistance.
Addressing the gathering, M L Meena, Principal JNV Tawang, emphasised that awareness, safety and protection are fundamental to ensuring a secure and happy childhood for every child. Highlighting the campaign’s message, ‘Jagrukta, Suraksha aur Sanrakshan – Har Bachche Ka Adhikar; Har Bachche Ka Bachpan, Hum Sab Ki Zimmedari’, he underscored that protecting children is a collective responsibility shared by schools, parents, communities, institutions and society as a whole.
The Principal urged students never to remain silent when confronted with situations that make them feel uncomfortable, threatened, unsafe or violated. He encouraged them to speak up without fear, seek help from trusted individuals and report incidents to the appropriate authorities. He reassured students that seeking help is never a matter of shame or guilt and that their safety, dignity and well-being must always remain a priority.
Meena further observed that a lack of awareness, fear, social stigma and uncertainty about available support mechanisms often prevent incidents involving crimes against children from being reported. He stressed that programmes such as Surakshit Bachpan Abhiyan play a vital role in bridging this awareness gap by equipping children with the knowledge to recognise wrongdoing, understand their rights and access appropriate legal and institutional support.
He also emphasised the need to foster a child-friendly school environment where every student feels safe, respected, heard and protected, enabling them to learn, grow and develop with confidence and dignity.
The programme reinforced the importance of personal safety, access to education, protection from abuse and exploitation, and the responsibility of every individual to safeguard children. (DIPRO)