Subhash Mahajan
Dalhousie
An awareness camp under the “Surakshit Bachpan Abhiyan” was organized at Dalhousie Public School, Dalhousie, by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Chamba, in accordance with the directions of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and the Himachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority. The visiting officers and resource persons were accorded a warm welcome by the students.
Smt. Megha Sharma, Civil Judge-cum-JMFC, Dalhousie, who presided over the programme, addressed students during the morning assembly on the theme “Mera Bachpan, Mera Adhikar” (My Childhood, My Rights). She highlighted child rights, child protection measures, provisions of the POCSO Act, and legal remedies available to children. She encouraged students to speak to a trusted adult whenever they feel unsafe and informed them about free legal aid services and the role of Legal Services Authorities.
Sh. Ajay Kumar, Member of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), conducted an interactive session on child safety, explaining the concepts of safe and unsafe touch, identifying trusted adults, and the importance of reporting abuse and seeking support.
Smt. Monika Viz, Panel Lawyer, DLSA Chamba, spoke about child marriage and child abuse, while also highlighting the legal safeguards available for the protection of children.
Addressing the issue of digital safety, ASI Sugreev Singh of Police Station Dalhousie educated students about online safety, cyber grooming, sextortion, cyber harassment, and responsible use of digital platforms. He also explained the procedure for reporting cyber crimes through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930.
As part of the campaign’s sub-theme, “Jaagruk Bachpan, Sashakt Bharat” (Aware Childhood, Empowered India), students enthusiastically participated in drawing, painting, essay writing, slogan writing, and quiz competitions focused on child rights, safety, and legal awareness. Information regarding legal aid services, the Child Helpline, and the Cyber Crime Helpline was also prominently displayed on the school campus.
Students were informed about important support helplines, including:
- NALSA Legal Aid Helpline: 15100
- Child Helpline: 1098
- Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Capt. G. S. Dhillon thanked DLSA Chamba, Smt. Megha Sharma, and the visiting resource persons for conducting the informative session. He emphasized that children are the foundation of the nation and that ensuring their safety and awareness of their rights is a shared responsibility of schools, parents, and society.
The programme witnessed active participation from both students and teachers and served as an important step towards promoting child safety, legal awareness, and responsible citizenship among young learners.
