The Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA) organised a health camp and awareness programme on ‘Child Rights for Children of Child Care Institutions’ at the Mawkasiang Juvenile Home on Friday.
The MSLSA organised the event under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and in collaboration with the Directorate of Health Services (MI), District Legal Services Authority and District Child Protection Unit.
The chief guest was Justice HS Thangkhiew of the High Court of Meghalaya and MSLSA executive chairman. During the programme, Justice Thangkhiew highlighted the legal services provided to the poor, marginalized and weaker sections of society and, in particular, the services provided to children as categorized under Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act 1987.
He also stressed upon the civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights of every child, the provisions of the Constitution relating to children, entitlement to legal services, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, POCSO Act, Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, NALSA (Child Friendly Legal Services to Children and their Protection) Scheme 2015 and various other important legislation.
Present were Secretary of the Social Welfare Department E Kharmalki, Director of Health Services Dr Aman Warr and Commandant of the 6th Meghalaya Police Battalion Lakador Syiem, among others.
During the health camp, 33 child care institutions took part and services like medical aid were provided to 465 children. Services provided included medical checkups (gynaecology, general OPD, paediatrics, ENT, dental, eye and skin), immunization, Covid-19 vaccination, counseling, etc. These were provided free of cost.
Apart from the medical activities, children also showcased their talents through singing, dancing, beatboxing, etc. and were also entertained through activities by the Meghalaya Police cultural troupe led by Syiem and various other activities like zumba, music, displaying of video clips and dancing.
