Law College Dehradun organized a participatory and creative Workshop on ‘Sensitization Program on Child Protection’ in association with National People’s Cooperation and Child Development Institute, Government of India on 23rd October, 2019. The objective of the Workshop was to orient the teachers and students of Uttaranchal University towards child rights & developmental policies & programmes for children and to create awareness among them on legal provisions relating to child protection. Major Yogendra Yadav, Additional Secretary of Women Empowerment& Child Development, presided as the Chief Guest of the occasion while Dr. Sanghmitra Barik, Deputy Director, NICCD, Dr. Suresh Balodi, State Manager, Plan India, Uttarakhand, Mr. Mohit Chaudhary, Chief Probation Officer, Department of Social Welfare, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, were the distinguished guests of the day along with the Hon’ble Chancellor Shri. Jitender Joshi and Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) N.K. Joshi. The event commenced with the felicitation of our eminent guests followed by the ritual of lamp lighting ceremony to invoke the blessings of Goddess Saraswati and recital of University Kulgeet.
Principal & Dean Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh Bahuguna started the event formally with his Inaugural Address wherein he welcomed the guests and participants and gave a brief introduction of the Chief Guest Major Yogendra Yadav who at present serves as Additional Secretary of three departments of Uttarakhand Government, namely, Department of Women Empowerment & Child Development, Social Welfare and Planning. Dr. Sanghmitra Barik is the Deputy Director of National People Cooperation and Child Development Institute, while Dr. Suresh Balodi is the Chief Probation Officer of Uttarakhand Government.
Chief Guest Maj. Yogendra Yadav grabbed the attention of the students through his energetic introductory speech where he compared the days of his childhood and the present scenario of children. His amiable approach to handle the issues faced by the younger generation spellbound the audience. He advised the students to keep a watch on their thoughts, words and actions and suggested to abandon negative thoughts at the earliest. He explained the core thought of Indian culture, education, duty and abstinence in the context of child development. He observed “Your sensibility and sensitivity towards your fellow beings make you truly conscientious human which transcends all human abilities”.
The Workshop was divided into three Technical Sessions wherein the experts enlightened the audience on protection of children and the various roles of the Government in governing the same. The first Technical Session, delivered by Dr Suresh Balodi, focused on answering the basic questions of ‘Who is a child?’ and ‘What is meant by children’s rights?’ followed by information on Child Protection Mechanism and various rights-based approaches and strategies. Dr. (Ms.) Sanghamitra Barik handled the Second Technical Session, wherein she focussed on protection of children. The lecture threw light on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO), Act, 2012, wherein, she elaborated upon the history of the Act, along with the diverse offences covered under it with the prescribed punishments after the implementation of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018. In addition to this, the roles of medical professionals, police officer, the media and courts of law were also discussed.Third Technical Session mainly elaborated on the salient features of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 and Rules 2016. Further, to create awareness in the audience on the implementation of the various laws on Child Protection, a few practical examples were discussed. The sessions were concluded with an Open Discussion Forum, in which the audience raised thought provoking queries which enabled the speakers to further enlighten the gathering on the topic concerned.
Hon’ble Chancellor Shri Jitender Joshi remarked that children are the future of any society and it is vital and the biggest social responsibility to ensure their all-round progress. He appreciated the Dean & Principal Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh Bahuguna and Law College Dehradun for their holistic commitment towards generating social awareness in the young minds for the protection of children.
Principal & Dean, Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh Bahuguna, in his address, conveyed his appreciation for the speakers who educated the students on Juvenile Justice Act 2015, POSCO Act, Provisions under revised Child Protection Services Scheme, policies and laws relating to children. He also stated that the session ensured and sensitized the students and faculty members that it is the responsibility of every individual to grant highest priority for the protection and well-being of every child to build a robust nation. He ended his speech requesting the faculty members to put an effort to understand and guide the young generation and stated that it is the need of the hour.
The Workshop on “Sensitization Program on Child Protection” threw light on the laws and schemes related to child protection through an elaborate discussion. It was witnessed by students and faculty members of Law, Sociology and Mass Communication. The participants voiced their appreciation for the informative session.
