GANDERBAL, SEPTEMBER 29: District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Ganderbal, in collaboration with Chief Education Office, Ganderbal, successfully conducted a one-day child sensitisation programme at Auditorium Hall, Govt. Boys Higher Secondary School, Ganderbal.
The programme focused on sensitizing participants about the rights of children, particularly those with mental illness and intellectual disabilities.
In his address, Secretary, DLSA Ganderbal, Sheikh Babar Hussain, emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive environment in educational institutions, where every child can thrive regardless of their abilities or background. He highlighted the significance of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the Right to Education Act, 2009, in promoting inclusive education and equal opportunities for all.
Secretary DLSA also highlighted the significance of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and its role in providing free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of society, especially children. He emphasized the importance of working together to create a safe and inclusive environment for all children and requested participants to disseminate the information gained from the programme to students, teachers, and provide support to students with mental illness and intellectual disabilities.
Chief Education Officer, Ganderbal, Oneel Kumar Bhat, highlighted the importance of inclusive education in the district, emphasizing the need to empower children with special needs through education. He outlined several initiatives undertaken by the Education department to ensure inclusive learning opportunities, providing accessible infrastructure, reasonable accommodations, and support services to meet the diverse needs of students in district Ganderbal.
Deputy Chief Education Officer, Rumaiysa Sangeen, emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive environment in educational institutions, where every child can thrive regardless of their abilities or background.
Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel, Tanveer Ashraf, emphasized the importance of recognizing the rights of students with mental illness and intellectual disabilities.
He highlighted the importance of legal provisions, such as the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the Right to Education Act, 2009, in protecting the rights of students with disabilities.
Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel, Aasimah Khaliq, delivered a comprehensive overview of the NALSA (Child-Friendly Legal Services for Children) Scheme, 2024, and the NALSA (Legal Services to Persons with Mental Illness and Persons with Intellectual Disabilities) Scheme, 2024.
Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel (LADC), Ganderbal, Burjeena Hamid, delivered an informative session on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, highlighting the crucial role of school authorities and teachers in preventing child abuse.
Teacher Resource Person, Rafiq Reshi delivered an insightful presentation on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on its implications for Children with Special Needs (CWSN).
The one-day child sensitization programme concluded with a panel discussion, where participants actively engaged with the speakers and resource persons.
The programme was attended by Principals, Zonal Education Officers, Headmasters, teachers, students from various schools across the district.
