Emphasizing Children’s Rights and Protections
KD NEWS SERVICE
ANANTNAG, Nov 14: Under the auspices of the Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority (JKLSA) and directed by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Anantnag, a special Children’s Day program was held at the Government Boys Model Higher Secondary School in Bijbehara. The Tehsil Legal Services Committee (TLSC) Bijbehara organized the event to highlight the importance of Children’s Day and the need to foster an environment of love, care, and protection for children.
The program saw the participation of notable dignitaries, including Ms. Tabassum Qadir Parray, Chairman of TLSC Bijbehara; Mr. Muzamil Ahmad Wani, Secretary DLSA Anantnag; Ms. Nusrat Aziz, Tehsildar Bijbehara; Mr. Furqan Qadir, SP Operations Anantnag; Mudasir Ahmad Naikoo, President Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Forum HQ-Delhi JK UT; Mr. Adil Mustafa Bhat, Secretary HRACF; Dr. Mehnaz, Tehsil Social Welfare Officer; and Mr. Imam Khurshid, President Bar Association Bijbehara.
In her opening address, Ms. Tabassum Qadir Parray, Chairman of TLSC Bijbehara, highlighted the theme for this year’s Children’s Day, which focuses on providing love, affection, and attention to children. She emphasized the responsibility of both parents and society to create a safe and nurturing environment for children. Ms. Parray also discussed the roles of Child Welfare Committees and Childline services, which offer immediate assistance to children facing distress. She urged students to seek help from trusted adults or authorities if they encounter abuse or neglect, underlining the importance of community awareness and legal literacy to ensure every child and family understands their rights and protections.
Mr. Muzamil Ahmad Wani, Secretary DLSA Anantnag, delivered a Presidential Address, underscoring the essential support that DLSA Anantnag is prepared to provide for children in need of legal, social, or economic assistance. He detailed the specific legal protections afforded to children under Indian law, including the right to education, protection from exploitation, and the right to dignity. Highlighting the Right to Education Act (RTE) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, Mr. Wani explained that these laws lay the groundwork for children’s development in a safe and just society. He also discussed the Juvenile Justice Act, a critical framework that upholds children’s rights within the judicial system and provides special protections for those in need of care or in conflict with the law.
Mr. Wani emphasized the need to eliminate child labor and empower children through education. His remarks underscored the DLSA’s commitment to actively supporting the rights of children and enforcing protections that foster their growth in a secure environment.
The program concluded with a renewed pledge from DLSA Anantnag and TLSC Bijbehara to work relentlessly in ensuring that every child in the community has access to their legal rights and the support they need to thrive. Certificates and mementos were distributed to meritorious students, including those who recently qualified for the prestigious KAS and NEET exams, acknowledging their academic achievements.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the Principal of Government Boys Model Higher Secondary School Bijbehara, marking a successful celebration of Children’s Day dedicated to enhancing children’s awareness of their rights and protections.
