Port Blair, Aug 20: In a significant stride towards safeguarding the future of our society, a comprehensive legal awareness program focusing on the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and crimes against women was organized by the Andaman & Nicobar State Legal Services Authority (A&N SLSA) and the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) in collaboration with JNRM at the Lecture Gallery of JNRM today.
Shri Bhawani Shanker Sharma, Member Secretary of A&N SLSA, inaugurated the program with a compelling address that underscored the critical need to raise awareness about the alarming rise in crimes against women and children under the POCSO Act, as well as the escalating narcotics-related issues in the Islands. He lauded the recent decisive actions taken by the A&N Police in dismantling drug networks, thereby protecting the community. This program is a significant step in spreading awareness across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands on the rising tide of narcotics-related crimes and offenses against children and women, highlighting the urgent need for collective action.
Shri Neyaz Alam, Ld. Special Judge for POCSO & NDPS Acts and Chairman (i/c) of DLSA, delivered a powerful briefing on the POCSO Act, emphasizing its pivotal role in shielding children from sexual abuse and exploitation. He stressed the urgency of ensuring that justice is not only served but also served swiftly and effectively, to maintain the integrity of our legal system. The significance of understanding the legal provisions under the POCSO Act was made clear, as it forms a crucial barrier against the exploitation of vulnerable sections of society.
Shri Diptendra Nath Mitra, Ld. Judge of the Family Court, Port Blair, provided insightful details on the NDPS Act, emphasizing its far-reaching impact since its enactment in 1985. He pointed out that while the Act is stringent in punishing offenders and seizing illegal substances, it also offers avenues for rehabilitation, which is crucial in the fight against drug addiction. The NDPS Act serves not only as a deterrent but also as a means of offering a second chance to those who have fallen into the trap of drug abuse, highlighting a balanced approach in tackling this serious issue.
Secretary (Education), Shri L. Kumar, IAS expressed profound gratitude to A&N SLSA and DLSA for organizing this crucial awareness initiative at JNRM. He remarked that in the past two years, the A&N Administration has intensified its efforts through various awareness programs conducted by the Police and Social Welfare Departments, underscoring the life-saving importance of the message “Say No to Drugs.” The educational institutions play a pivotal role in nurturing young minds, and such programs are essential in equipping them with the knowledge to make informed choices.
SP (Narcotics), Shri Rajeev Ranjan, IPS, reinforced the unwavering commitment of the A&N Police to eradicating the drug menace from the Islands. He revealed that 165 NDPS cases have been registered in last three years, leading to the arrest of 245 individuals, marking a significant crackdown on the drug trade. His address highlighted the operational success of the A&N Police in curbing the influx of narcotics, demonstrating the effectiveness of law enforcement when coupled with community awareness.
SP District South Andaman, Smti. Niharika Bhatt, IPS, delivered an empowering address on the rights of women to live with dignity, safety, and security. She highlighted the newly introduced Criminal Laws by the Central Government, which represent a paradigm shift from a punitive to a justice-oriented approach, aimed at creating a robust criminal justice system that not only upholds the rule of law but also ensures that justice is accessible and swift for all. Her speech emphasized the evolving nature of the legal landscape, reflecting the changing societal needs and the importance of legal reforms.
In his welcome address, the Principal of JNRM, Shri H.K. Sharma, expressed deep appreciation to A&N SLSA and DLSA for selecting JNRM as the venue for this vital awareness program, recognizing its importance in shaping the consciousness of the student community. He acknowledged the role of such programs in fostering a culture of legal awareness and responsibility among students, who are the future custodians of the society.
The program culminated in a highly interactive session, where the Member Secretary, A&N SLSA, Shri Bhawani Shanker Sharma, and other esteemed judicial officers engaged directly with participants, addressing their concerns and clarifying doubts. The event concluded with a solemn pledge by all attendees to contribute actively to eradicating the drug menace from India. This collective commitment underscores the program’s broader impact in mobilizing community efforts against these pressing social issues. The programme which was coordinated by Associate Professor, Dr, Manju Nair and concluded with vote of thanks proposed by Campus Incharge, JNRM, Dr. Bala Krishnan.
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