Jeypore, Nov 10 (UDN): With the objective of creating awareness among children about their rights, personal safety and protection from sexual offences, the Koraput District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Jeypore, has launched the ‘Safe Childhood Campaign’ under the directions of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and the Odisha State Legal Services Authority (OSLSA).
As part of the campaign, awareness programmes on child protection and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act were organised on Saturday at five schools across Koraput district. The programmes were conducted in schools located in the Hadia, Jamunda, Puputra and Haridaput areas.
The first phase of the campaign, which began on October 26 and will continue until October 31, involves conducting similar awareness programmes in various schools across the district.
Through this initiative, children are being educated in simple and understandable language about their fundamental rights, personal safety, bodily autonomy, and how to identify safe and unsafe behaviour. Special emphasis is also being placed on online safety, responsible use of social media and precautions while engaging in online gaming.
Students are also being informed about the legal protections available under the POCSO Act, 2012, procedures for filing complaints and the availability of free legal assistance. The initiative aims to empower children with the knowledge and confidence needed to recognise inappropriate behaviour, protect themselves and seek help whenever necessary.
For the effective implementation of the campaign, special teams comprising a judicial officer, resource persons, panel advocates, law students and para-legal volunteers have been constituted.
At the awareness programmes held on Saturday, District Legal Services Authority Secretary and Judge Pradyumayi Sujata, Dr B. Gayatri Devi of the District Child Welfare Committee, Jeypore Law College student Riddhi Pani Panigrahi and para-legal volunteer Renuka Mohanty participated. They explained various legal provisions and child protection measures to the students.
The speakers highlighted that the POCSO Act provides comprehensive protection to children against sexual assault, sexual harassment and the use of children for pornographic purposes. They also explained that the Act ensures child-friendly procedures throughout the processes of filing complaints, investigation and trial, thereby safeguarding the interests and dignity of child victims.
The resource persons advised students not to remain silent or feel afraid if they encounter any form of inappropriate behaviour. Instead, they were encouraged to immediately inform a trusted adult and seek the legal assistance and protection available to them.
The campaign is expected to strengthen awareness about child rights and safety while encouraging children to speak up against abuse and helping create a safer and more protective environment in schools and communities across Koraput district.
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