Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 01: The Andaman & Nicobar State Legal Services Authority (A&NSLSA) organized a Legal Awareness Camp on the topic ‘Child Rights & Persons with Disabilities’ at Govt. Girls Senior Secondary School, Sri Vijaya Puram today. The program witnessed enthusiastic participation from the student community and the school’s teaching staff.
Mr. Bhawani Shanker Sharma, Learned Registrar, Calcutta High Court, Circuit Bench at Port Blair-cum-Member Secretary, Andaman & Nicobar State Legal Services Authority and Mr. Diptendra Nath Mitra, Learned Judge, Family Court, Port Blair graced the occasion. Earlier, Mrs. Roop Ratna, Teacher of Govt. Girls Senior Secondary School welcomed the distinguished guests.
During the camp, several key points were highlighted to raise awareness:
1. Child Rights:
Every child has the right to free and compulsory education under the Right to Education Act, 2009.
Protection of children from abuse and exploitation is guaranteed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, ensures rehabilitation and care for children in need of protection or in conflict with the law.
2. Rights of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs):
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, defines a Person with Benchmark Disability as an individual with not less than 40% of a specified disability.
The Act increased the reservation for Persons with Disabilities in government jobs from 3% to 4%, and in higher education institutions from 3% to 5%.
PwDs are entitled to equal opportunities, accessibility, and inclusive education up to the age of 18 years in special or regular schools.
The dignitaries emphasized the importance of ensuring dignity, respect, and equal opportunities for children and persons with disabilities, fostering an inclusive and equitable society. Mrs. Amudha, teacher of the school, also addressed the participants and elaborated on various legal aspects related to child rights and the rights of persons with disabilities. Her insightful points further enriched the discussions during the awareness camp.
The interactive session encouraged students and teachers to engage in discussions and clarified their doubts regarding these legal provisions.
The program concluded with vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Archana Singh, Principal, Govt. Girls Senior Secondary School, Sri Vijaya Puram.
Leave a Reply