Dadenggre, May 21, 2026: Awareness program titled “Surakshit Bachpan, Surakshit Bhavishya” under NALSA (Jagriti) Scheme, 2025 was held at Government L P School at Megapgre, Jengjal on 20th May 2026. The programme was organized by the District Legal Service Authority (DLSA), West Garo Hills, Tura.

It may be mentioned that the programme mainly focused on sensitization of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and aimed to create awareness among students and the community about child protection, legal rights, and safety measures.

The Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, West Garo Hills, I R Marak, MJS while highlighting the importance of the POCSO Act 2012, she said that children were not mentioned in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and therefore, the Pocso Act has stated the provisions and procedures of the act suitable for them.

Further, mentioning that since POCSO Act involves children, she informed that there is a Special Judge, Special Court and Child friendly Procedure for Pocso cases. Further, she also mentioned about the ill-effects of the culture and traditions of the Garos where sometimes under age girls were married off to a widower which is not possible now in the eyes of the law and the court also follows stringent laws for Pocso cases.

During the programme, Grangchira Ch. Marak, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel, Tura presented the introduction to NALSA (JAGRITI – Justice Awareness for Grassroots Information and Transparency Initiative) Scheme, 2025. She further informed about various schemes provided to the people including the free legal aid services especially to the under privileged sections of the society.

Jakre M Sangma, Police Officer delivered an informative session on the provisions and importance of the POCSO Act, 2012 stressing on the kind of Sexual Offences being reported and thereby encouraged the victims to report such instances to any responsible person in the area, also urging the teachers to sensitize the students about the provisions of the act while mentioning that parents too has an important role to play in educating and instilling manners and values to their children.

Meanwhile, the Representative from the District Child Protection Unit, Tura, Tanu R Marak also explained in detail about the issues relating to protection of child and their rights including safeguarding of children from abuse and exploitation. She also mentioned about the available legal aid services provided to children in conflict such as institutional and non-institutional unit, Juvenile Justice Board, Special Adoption Agency, etc. Emphasizing the increasing numbers of Teenage pregnancy in the region, she highlighted some of its causes, effects and seek the cooperation of all to work together to sensitise the people of the area and ensure Child safety in the society.

As part of the awareness initiative, public screenings and street plays (Nukkad Nataks) were also conducted by the staff of DLSA to educate participants on the provisions of the POCSO Act in an interactive manner.

The awareness programme saw active participation from students, teachers, and people of the area showing collective responsibility towards child safety and promoting legal awareness in the society.

Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel, Tura Jericho R Marak, Principal, Government L P School, Megapgre, Jengjal West Garo Hills Kaningthon Ch Marak were among others who spoke during the programme.