Kuwarani Dr. Ritu Singh legal literacy initiative in collaboration with DLSA sensitises educators on juvenile justice and child protection
JAMMU: As part of the Legal Literacy Initiative of Kunwarani Dr. Ritu Singh Ji, Founder and Pro-Vice Chairperson of Delhi Public School Jammu, Katra and Nagbani, Delhi Public School Jammu, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Jammu, organised a Legal Literacy and Sensitisation Programme on the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. The programme was aimed at sensitising educators about child rights, legal safeguards and their crucial role in ensuring the safety, dignity and well-being of children.
The programme featured three distinguished legal professionals who shared their expertise and practical insights with the teachers—Ms. Maleeka Sharma, Civil Judge and Secretary, DLSA Jammu; Adv. Uma Kapahi, Advocate practising before the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Panel Lawyer, DLSA Jammu; and Dr. Ifra Nasir, Advocate and Chief Secretary, GHRT International, with expertise in child protection, POCSO, POSH and women’s rights.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome to the distinguished guests, who were acknowledged with tokens of appreciation comprising mementos, potted plants, certificates and paintings created by the students of DPS Jammu.
Dr. Ifra Nasir initiated the session by highlighting that financial or social vulnerabilities should never become barriers to justice. She explained the role of the DLSA in facilitating access to legal services, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised sections of society, including women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities. She also outlined the Authority’s role in bridging gaps in access to justice through legal aid, awareness and community outreach.
Adv. Uma Kapahi stressed the importance of creating awareness among children about their rights and the Juvenile Justice framework. She explained the functioning of child-friendly systems and Juvenile Justice Boards, while highlighting the need to understand a child’s physical, emotional and psychological circumstances. She emphasised that the Juvenile Justice system places strong emphasis on rehabilitation, reform and reintegration rather than a purely punitive approach.
In an insightful address, Ms. Maleeka Sharma highlighted that a teacher’s responsibility extends far beyond academic instruction, as schools carry the immense trust parents place in them to safeguard their children. She urged educators to remain vigilant about behavioural or physical indicators that may point towards distress or vulnerability and to report concerns through appropriate channels. She also emphasised the importance of institutionalising child-safety mechanisms, including the designation of a Child Protection Nodal Teacher to maintain systematic records of incidents and facilitate timely intervention.
Earlier, Principal Ms. Ruchi Chabra, in her welcome address, emphasised that child protection is both a statutory and moral responsibility, and urged teachers to respond to children’s vulnerabilities and challenging behaviour with sensitivity and understanding, rather than discipline alone.
Vice Principal Ms. Meenu Gupta highlighted the need for educators to remain well-informed about the legal provisions and institutional mechanisms that support and protect children.
The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Headmaster Mr. Ravi Kumar Kotroo, who expressed gratitude to the distinguished legal professionals, DLSA Jammu and all those who contributed to the successful organisation of the initiative.
The programme concluded with National Anthem, serving as a meaningful step towards strengthening legal awareness among educators equipping them to discharge their responsibilities with sensitivity and informed understanding
