Legal Service Unit for Children Launched in Kangra to Safeguard Rights
The *District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Dharamshala, Kangra, has taken a pioneering step in child welfare by launching a dedicated **Legal Service Unit for Children. This initiative aims to ensure the protection and enforcement of children’s legal rights across the district. Established under the guidance of the **Himachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority, Shimla, the unit was formally inaugurated by *Shikha Lakhanpal, Secretary of the DLSA, who also serves as its President.
The unit comprises retired judicial officers, panel advocates from sub-divisional committees, deputy legal defense counsel, and para-legal volunteers. Its formation signifies a proactive approach towards providing legal aid and justice to vulnerable children in Kangra.
Comprehensive Training for Members
To prepare its members for their crucial roles, a two-day training session was organized on *December 12 and 13, 2024, at the *DRDA Hall, Kangra. The program focused on equipping participants with in-depth knowledge of child protection laws and their implementation.
Key legislations such as the *Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, 2012, the **Child Marriage Prohibition Act, 2006, and the *Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act were thoroughly discussed. Additionally, participants were introduced to public welfare laws like the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. The training underscored the importance of safeguarding the rights of children and the pivotal role of the legal service unit in addressing child-related legal matters effectively.
The Driving Force
During the launch, Shikha Lakhanpal emphasized the significance of this initiative, which aligns with a nationwide scheme introduced by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) earlier this year. She highlighted that the unit would not only address the legal needs of children but also raise awareness about their rights.
“Protecting the legal rights of children is not just a duty but a moral obligation. This unit will act as a beacon of hope for children seeking justice,” Lakhanpal said, adding that the training would empower members to tackle complex cases with sensitivity and competence.
A Landmark Initiative for Child Welfare
The launch of the Legal Service Unit for Children marks a watershed moment in Kangra’s commitment to child welfare. By creating a dedicated platform for addressing children’s legal grievances, the initiative aims to enhance the district’s child protection framework and set a precedent for similar programs across the state.
The *District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Dharamshala, Kangra, has taken a pioneering step in child welfare by launching a dedicated **Legal Service Unit for Children. This initiative aims to ensure the protection and enforcement of children’s legal rights across the district. Established under the guidance of the **Himachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority, Shimla, the unit was formally inaugurated by *Shikha Lakhanpal, Secretary of the DLSA, who also serves as its President.
The unit comprises retired judicial officers, panel advocates from sub-divisional committees, deputy legal defense counsel, and para-legal volunteers. Its formation signifies a proactive approach towards providing legal aid and justice to vulnerable children in Kangra.
Comprehensive Training for Members
To prepare its members for their crucial roles, a two-day training session was organized on *December 12 and 13, 2024, at the *DRDA Hall, Kangra. The program focused on equipping participants with in-depth knowledge of child protection laws and their implementation.
Key legislations such as the *Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, 2012, the **Child Marriage Prohibition Act, 2006, and the *Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act were thoroughly discussed. Additionally, participants were introduced to public welfare laws like the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. The training underscored the importance of safeguarding the rights of children and the pivotal role of the legal service unit in addressing child-related legal matters effectively.
Shikha Lakhanpal: A Driving Force
During the launch, Shikha Lakhanpal emphasized the significance of this initiative, which aligns with a nationwide scheme introduced by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) earlier this year. She highlighted that the unit would not only address the legal needs of children but also raise awareness about their rights.
“Protecting the legal rights of children is not just a duty but a moral obligation. This unit will act as a beacon of hope for children seeking justice,” Lakhanpal said, adding that the training would empower members to tackle complex cases with sensitivity and competence.
A Landmark Initiative for Child Welfare
The launch of the Legal Service Unit for Children marks a watershed moment in Kangra’s commitment to child welfare. By creating a dedicated platform for addressing children’s legal grievances, the initiative aims to enhance the district’s child protection framework and set a precedent for similar programs across the state.
