TUENSANG, October 29 (MExN): The TDLSA and WDLSA conducted essays and child rights awareness programme recently in their respective districts.
Tuensang: The Tuensang District Legal Services Authority (TDLSA) organized essay competition on “Child Rights” at Government Middle School, Tuensang Village, on October 26 where 16 students participated.
A Yemtichoba, Thungti Yemjong and Changlemla of Class VIII were adjudged first second and third respectively. Winners were given a cash prize along with the certificates.
In continuation of the competition TDLSA also organized legal awareness seminar for the students where Soted Anar, Panel Lawyer, spoke on the Right to education especially emphasizing on the free distribution of books, uniforms and mid-day meal to the students.
Yimtsusangla Chang, retainer Lawyer looking at the high rate of child marriage existing in the rural areas and child labor where children are sent to an urban area in the form of domestic helper highlighted the various laws like Child Marriage Restraint Act, Prohibition of child labor.
Highlighting on Prohibition of Smoking, Prohibition of Ragging and Protection of children from sexual offenses act were also covered, she further encouraged the students to focus more on education and avail the benefits of free and compulsory education. Altogether 136 students, 16 teaching, and non-teaching staffs participated in the awareness programme. Antimangyang Chang, Panel Lawyer TDLSA chaired the programme.
Meanwhile, TDLSA also organized legal awareness seminar on Tribal Rights at Ngangpong Village on October 28.
N. Kano, Judicial Magistrate First Class Tuensang and Secretary TDLSA highlighted the activities taken up by TDLSA in rendering free legal services to the poor and needy, he also spoke on the powers and function and duties of the Village Council Members, their qualification and disqualification etc.
Speaking on Maintenance of senior citizens, Child Marriage Restraint Act and on Domestic Violence Act 2005, Antimangyang Chang, Panel Lawyer, TDLSA encouraged the women folk to speak out and report the matter to the nearest police station or magistrate if they face any kind of domestic violence.
Cheliam Khiamniungan, Master Trainer, Nagaland State Legal Services Authority also spoke on the tribal rights and highlighted various important points on Free and Compulsory Education, poverty alleviation schemes and welfare schemes especially on old age and widow pension, disability benefit schemes etc.
She also encouraged the Village Council Members, Village Education Committee and the Students’ body to check and focus more on the functioning of the educational institution, health care centers, jobs and livelihood as these are primary need but mostly neglected in the tribal areas. She further encouraged the gathering to come forward to avail various benefits under social welfare schemes.
WOKHA: The Wokha District Legal Services Authority (WDLSA) organized an essay competition on Child Rights at Government High School Wokha Village on October 20.
Meribemo Lotha, Panel Lawyer WDLSA gave a brief highlight on child rights, while David Ezung Panel Lawyer WDLSA delivered a speech on the role and activities of WDLSA.
The first prize was bagged by Nzanrhoni Shitiri, second prize by Sungmo C Chang and third prize by Sukumo R Murry. Certificates and cash prize were awarded to the winners.
Altogether 40 students participated in the competition.
The WDLSA also organized a legal awareness program on Tribal Rights with village functionaries at Niroyo Village on October 28 where Seyielenui Mezhu, NJS Judicial Magistrate First Class, and Secretary WDLSA gave an overview of the WDLSA and its activities.
T. Lanusenla Longkumer, SDO (C) Wokha also pointed out that one should not only talk about one’s rights but at the same time see that duties are also performed along with the rights and benefits availed.
Renbonthung Tsanglao, Panel Lawyer WDLSA spoke on Poverty Alleviation Schemes applicable in the state and legal assistance for access to poverty alleviation schemes, Wobenthung Patton, PLV WDLSA spoke on Legal Rights guaranteed to tribal people and David Eung, Panel Lawyer WDLSA spoke on ‘role of legal services authorities in assisting tribal people in access to justice.
