KDLSA officials along with faculty and students during a legal awareness programme held at Government Middle School Officers' Hill, Kohima on June 12.
Kohima, June 12 (MExN): The Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA) organised legal awareness programmes in six educational institutions across Kohima district on Thursday to mark the World Day Against Child Labour, sensitising students on child rights, legal protection and the NALSA Child-Friendly Legal Services for Children Scheme, 2024.
The programmes were conducted at Chandmari Government High School, Government High School New Market, Government Middle School Officers' Hill, Government High School Midland, Chandmari Higher Secondary School and Government Higher Secondary School, Sechu Zubza.
Resource persons, including panel lawyers and advocates associated with KDLSA, delivered sessions on child rights, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, the Right to Education Act, cyber safety and the NALSA Child-Friendly Legal Services Scheme. Students were also sensitised on issues such as good touch and bad touch, mandatory reporting of offences, online safety, child protection mechanisms and the importance of seeking help through Child Helpline 1098 and NALSA Helpline 15100.
Speakers highlighted the harmful effects of child labour on education, health and overall development while encouraging children to be aware of their legal rights and report abuse or exploitation. The programmes also emphasised the role of parents, teachers and society in creating a safe and child-friendly environment.
Officials from NABARD, school authorities, para legal volunteers, panel lawyers and advocates participated in the awareness drives, which included interactions with students and teachers.
According to KDLSA, a team comprising 10 panel lawyers, three advocates and two para legal volunteers conducted the programmes, benefiting 845 students and more than 30 teachers and staff members across the six schools. The initiative aimed to strengthen awareness on child protection laws, prevention of child labour, cyber safety and access to child-friendly legal services available under the NALSA Scheme.
