Bijbehara, Nov 14: Under the aegis of the Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority and guided by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Anantnag, the Tehsil Legal Services Committee (TLSC) Bijbehara held a special event on Children’s Day at the Government Boys Model Higher Secondary School Bijbehara.
The program, attended by notable dignitaries including Secretary DLSA Anantnag Muzamil Ahmad Wani, Tehsildar Bijbehara Nusrat Aziz, and SP Operations Anantnag Furqan Qadir, emphasized the importance of children’s rights and legal protections.
The program opened with remarks by Tabassum Qadir Parray, Chairman of TLSC Bijbehara, who spoke on this year’s Children’s Day theme of “giving love, affection, and attention” to children. She highlighted the need to create safe environments where children are valued and protected, stressing the responsibilities held by both parents and society to prevent exploitation and abuse. Parray underscored the role of Child Welfare Committees and Childline services in providing immediate assistance to children in distress, urging students to seek help from trusted adults or authorities if they face threats or abuse.
In his Presidential Address, Muzamil Ahmad Wani, Secretary of DLSA Anantnag, reinforced the role of legal support systems, emphasizing that DLSA Anantnag is committed to providing legal, social, and economic support to children in need. Wani outlined key child protection laws, including the Right to Education Act (RTE), which mandates free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, which offers safeguards against abuse and exploitation. He encouraged students to be aware of their rights and assured them of DLSA’s support in ensuring these protections.
The event also addressed issues like child labor and the significance of education as an empowering tool for children. Wani spoke on the Juvenile Justice Act, which safeguards the rights of children in need of care and protection and children in conflict with the law, ensuring their dignity within the judicial process.
The District Legal Services Authority of Bandipora, in collaboration with the Tehsil Legal Services Committee of Gurez and the Education Department, observed National Children’s Day at the Government Boys Middle School in Markoot Gurez.
During the event, Advocate Javid Iqbal, the Resource Person, emphasized the importance of this day, which highlights children’s rights and ensures they are not deprived of their entitlements.
He discussed various legal aid initiatives, the operation of Legal Aid Clinics, and the role of Paralegal Volunteers (PLVs). He encouraged students to inform their peers, families, and community members about these initiatives.
The Resource Person also addressed key aspects of the POCSO Act, fundamental rights and duties, and the potential of law as a career.
Chairman of the Tehsil Legal Services Committee in Gurez inspired the children in his speech, urging them to strive diligently to achieve their aspirations.
He reminded them that society expects them to initiate significant changes in the country and globally by creating pathways for development and prosperity, while rejecting discrimination based on caste, color, or creed.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Headmaster of the Government Boys Middle School in Markoot Gurez, acknowledging the contributions of all participants.
The event was attended by PLVs, students, officials from the institution, and various community members.
