PANGIN, Nov 2 : The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Siang, under the aegis of the Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (APSLSA), successfully completed the first phase of the nationwide Surakshit Bachpan Abhiyan, conducting legal awareness programmes in 13 schools across Siang District from October 26 to 31.
The campaign, undertaken as part of an initiative of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), was aimed at strengthening awareness among schoolchildren about their rights, personal safety and legal protection against abuse, exploitation and violence. Particular emphasis was placed on reaching children in rural and remote areas and familiarising them with the legal safeguards and support mechanisms available for their protection.
The campaign was formally launched on October 26 by Bido Sora, Secretary, DLSA Siang, at Government Secondary School, Pangin, along with resource persons Advocates Gei Noshi, Nyari Bagra and Mige Padu, and counsellor Peli Nyorak. On the same day, separate teams of resource persons also commenced awareness programmes at Siyom Valley School, Pesing, and Government Secondary School, Boleng, marking the beginning of the district-wide outreach.
 Over the following five days, the campaign covered several other schools.
The awareness sessions focused primarily on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, child rights, personal safety, protection against abuse and exploitation, and the legal safeguards available to children. The resource persons explained the relevant legal provisions in simple, age-appropriate language, using practical examples to help students understand their rights and recognise situations that may threaten their safety.
Special emphasis was laid on understanding personal boundaries, distinguishing between safe and unsafe touch, recognising inappropriate behaviour and reporting incidents of abuse or harassment without fear or hesitation. Students were encouraged to seek timely assistance from parents, teachers, trusted adults and appropriate authorities whenever their safety or well-being was at risk.
The programmes also addressed cyber safety, cyberbullying, online exploitation and the importance of responsible use of digital platforms. The resource persons highlighted the risks associated with sharing personal information online and the need for caution while interacting with strangers through social media and other digital platforms.
During the inaugural programme at Government Secondary School, Pangin, the Secretary also familiarised students with important child protection and emergency helpline numbers, emphasising the availability of institutional assistance and the importance of timely reporting of abuse, exploitation or other threats to children's safety.
The sessions were intended not merely to impart knowledge of legal provisions but also to develop practical awareness among students about how to respond to unsafe situations and where to seek assistance. The programmes encouraged children to speak up against abuse, respect the rights and dignity of others and understand that legal protection is available to them whenever needed.
The outreach holds particular significance in a geographically challenging district such as Siang, where distance and limited access to institutional services can hinder the dissemination of legal information. By reaching 13 educational institutions across different parts of the district within six days, DLSA Siang sought to bring legal awareness closer to children and strengthen their understanding of the protections available under the law.
The campaign also underscored the importance of collective responsibility among schools, families and communities in preventing child abuse and exploitation. While the law provides safeguards, awareness, timely reporting and a supportive environment remain essential to ensuring their effective implementation.

---

Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

<< Back to News List