DAWN, Bal VivahMukt Bharat initiatives begin at BHSS Khalmulla, activities to continue till November 27
Ganderbal | Nov,14:The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Ganderbal on Saturday launched awareness activities under the NALSA DAWN (Drug Awareness and Wellness Navigation) Fortnight Campaign and Bal VivahMukt Bharat Campaign at Government Boys Higher Secondary School Khalmulla.
The programmes were organised in collaboration with the Chief Education Officer Ganderbal on the occasion of National Children’s Day, with a focus on substance abuse prevention, child protection and elimination of child marriage.
The initiatives were organised under the chairmanship of Abdul Nasir, Chairman DLSA Ganderbal, and supervision of Sheikh Babar Hussain, Secretary DLSA Ganderbal.
Advocate KausarMasoodi, Panel Lawyer, Sajid Irfan, Deputy Legal Aid Defence Counsel, and Advocate Bilal Bhat, Panel Lawyer, conducted awareness sessions and sensitised students about various issues concerning child rights and protection.
Under the Bal VivahMukt Bharat Campaign, students were informed about the harmful social, educational and psychological consequences of early and forced child marriage, besides its legal implications.
The resource persons stressed the importance of education, community participation and the role of parents and guardians in preventing child marriage. They also highlighted the availability of free legal aid through Legal Services Institutions.
The significance of November 27, observed as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage, was also highlighted.
Under the DAWN campaign, students were sensitised about the harmful effects of substance abuse, early identification of vulnerable children and the importance of timely counselling, treatment and rehabilitation.
Issues concerning child protection, including provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, were also discussed.
Awareness videos provided by the J&K Legal Services Authority were screened during the programme to reinforce the messages of prevention and protection.
The authority said awareness activities under both campaigns would continue across Ganderbal district from November 14 to 27 through educational institutions, community outreach programmes and the involvement of Para Legal Volunteers and other stakeholders.
