Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar. 23:The Andaman & Nicobar State Legal Services Authority (A&N SLSA) successfully organized a Legal Awareness Programme on ‘Child Care and Protection’ at Abbhyuday Complex, Bal Niketan, Children’s Home, Directorate of Social Welfare, A&N Administration, Ferrargunj, South Andaman yesterday. This initiative aimed to educate and empower children by raising awareness about their legal rights, safety, and available protection mechanisms.
The programme was graced by the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Justice Soumen Sen, Judge, Calcutta High Court & Chairperson, Juvenile Justice Committee, High Court at Calcutta, and Hon’ble Justice Raja Basu Chowdhury, Judge, High Court at Calcutta & Zonal Judge (Additional) for A&N Islands. Their visit included an assessment of the existing facilities and discussions on measures to enhance the safety, security, and rehabilitation of the children.
Accompanying them were Shri Bhawani Shanker Sharma, Ld. Registrar, Calcutta High Court, Circuit Bench at Port Blair-cum-Member Secretary, A&N SLSA, Shri Neyaz Alam, Ld. Additional District & Sessions Judge, Port Blair, and Shri Souvik Ghosh, Judicial Magistrate First Class, 1st Court, Port Blair.
The session featured interactive discussions with the children, including Divyang (children with disabilities), focusing on their rights under child protection laws, available legal remedies, and the role of the legal system in safeguarding their well-being. The dignitaries also interacted with staff members from Bal Niketan, the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Department of Social Welfare, special education teachers, Office Superintendent, In-Charge of Bal Niketan, Abbhyuday Complex, Ferrargunj, and other staff members, including the cook.
Hon’ble Justices also suggested measures for improvement in the infrastructure to enhance the overall facilities and living conditions of the children. They emphasized the need to strengthen child protection measures, improved infrastructure, and a nurturing environment to support the holistic development of children.
The A&N State Legal Services Authority reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring their safety. Through continuous legal awareness initiatives, intervention programs, and collaboration with key stakeholders, the authority strives to build a safer and more secure future for all children.
