Tura, May 19: Amid growing concern over rising cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in Meghalaya, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), West Garo Hills, on Tuesday organised a major sensitisation programme for Class XII students at Rongkhon Don Bosco Higher Secondary School in Tura.
The campaign, titled “Surakshit Bachpan, Surakshit Bhavishya” (Safe Childhood, Safe Future), was conducted under the National Legal Services Authority’s NALSA (JAGRITI) Scheme, 2025, in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA).
The programme focused on creating legal awareness among students about child protection laws, teenage relationships, consent, child abuse and the legal consequences of offences involving minors under the POCSO Act.
Addressing the programme, Sahithya Pavana Sai Kasiraju, SDPO Sadar, Raksamgre, highlighted the urgent need for legal awareness campaigns in view of the increasing number of POCSO-related cases being reported in the region.
She noted that many child abuse cases involve family members or acquaintances, while a growing number of cases are linked to consensual relationships among minors, leading to teenage pregnancies.
“Empowering students with knowledge is the first step towards prevention and self-protection. Our goal is to create a safe and transparent environment where children feel confident enough to speak out against injustice,” the SDPO said.
The programme also stressed the importance of cultural sensitivity while educating young people on legal norms and responsibilities.
Sessions during the event covered child-friendly procedures under the POCSO Act, the objectives of the JAGRITI initiative and the legal implications surrounding underage relationships and child abuse.
Officials from the District Child Protection Unit, Tura, along with legal aid representatives, also participated in the awareness drive.
To make the campaign more engaging and accessible, organisers used creative outreach methods, including a Nukkad Natak (street play) based on the POCSO Act and domestic violence laws, simplifying complex legal concepts into relatable real-life situations for students.
The programme was attended by I.R. Marak, MJS, Secretary of DLSA West Garo Hills, the Principal of Rongkhon Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, and Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel Grangehira Ch. Marak and other officials.
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