KISHTWAR, SEPTEMBER 30: The Child Protection Unit Kishtwar, under Mission Vatsalya, organised a mega awareness programme here at Government Model Higher Secondary School Chatroo to sensitize the students, staff and parents about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, Child Helpline 1098 and Child Marriage Prohibition Act.
Protection Officer (NIC) Touseef Iqbal Butt elaborated on the key provisions of the POCSO Act, 2012, including legal protection available to children against sexual assault, sexual harassment and other sexual offences. He laid emphasis on the responsibility of parents, teachers, institutions and community members to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of child abuse to the competent authorities.
He also elaborated on the joint role of stakeholders including Mission Vatsalya, Special Juvenile Police Units, Child Helpline 1098, Education and Health Departments in tackling cases of minors after reporting to any stakeholder.
Local SHO Rishi Kumar spoke on potential risks and consequences associated with inappropriate or unsafe romantic relationships at a young age. He further highlighted that awareness about “Good Touch and Bad Touch” should not be undermined by peer pressure or relationships. He encouraged students to communicate openly with parents, teachers or other trusted adults whenever they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
The School Principal encouraged students to learn about their rights and approach appropriate authorities whenever they encounter abuse, exploitation, violence or any situation threatening their safety.
Project Coordinator CHL Vickey Sharma; MPS OSC Shashi Kumar; Supervisor CHD Sajan Kumar and Chairman School Management Committee Roshan Lal Koul also addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of collective efforts for the protection and welfare of children and women.
At the end, a separate counselling and awareness session was organised for girl students by Supervisor CHL Diksha Badyal, IT Incharge OSC Ruchi Parihar and Case Worker OSC Kajol Parihar.
The session focused on helping the students understand appropriate and inappropriate forms of physical contact, recognise uncomfortable or unsafe situations, maintain personal boundaries and seek immediate help from trusted adults and appropriate authorities whenever required.
The girl students were encouraged to speak up without fear and to report any incident of inappropriate behaviour or abuse.
