A legal awareness programme on the theme, ‘Child friendly legal services to children and their protection’ was today organised in the premises of the District and Session Court, Mawkyrwat as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mohotsav.
The programme was organised by the office of the District Legal Services Authority, Mawkyrwat which was attended by Meghalaya High Court judge, Justice Wanlura Diengdoh.
Speaking on the occasion, Diengdoh said that children are entitled to special care and assistance and the need to extend particular care to the child has been stated in the Universal Declaration of the Rights of the Child. He said that a child needs to grow up in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding for full and harmonious development of his/her personality.
Diengdoh spoke on the provisions of the declaration on socio and legal principles relating to the protection and welfare of children, and said that there are children who are living in exceptionally difficult conditions and such children needs special assistance and consideration. He laid great stresses on the importance of education while impressing that under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009, children between ages 6-14 are entitled to receive free and compulsory education.
He also dwelt at length on the various provisions of laws which ensure that a child is protected against all forms of discrimination of any kind.
District Medical & Health Officer Dr F.R.Lartang informed about the schemes which are related to women and children thereby urging one and all to avail the benefits offered by the department for the overall growth and development of women and children.
Prizes and certificates were also distributed to the most active Para Legal Volunteers in the district and winners of various competitions.
S.R.Kharkongor, Legal cum Probation Officer, Mawkyrwat, A.Sawkmie, Sub Inspector, Juvenile Protection Unit, South West Khasi Hills District, Toteinam Lyngdoh, District Planning Co-ordinator under District Mission Coordinator, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), B.Lyngkhoi, representative from the Sub Divisional School Education officer also spoke on the occasion.
