Budgam: District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Budgam, in collaboration with the Juvenile Justice Board Budgam, Monday organized an awareness programme on the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
The programme was conducted under the supervision of O.P. Bhagat, Chairman, DLSA Budgam, and under the guidance of Nusrat Ali Hakak, Secretary, DLSA Budgam, and Shaber Ayaz, Principal Magistrate, Juvenile Justice Board Budgam.
The primary objective of the programme was to highlight the key provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act, with a special focus on legal protections for children in conflict with the law, issues related to child custody and guardianship, and the importance of safeguarding child rights.
To enrich the sessions, Zahoor Ahmad and Yawar Ali, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsels deputed by DLSA Budgam as resource persons delivered insightful presentations and raised awareness among the participants.
In his address, Zahoor emphasized that the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015 consolidates and amends laws concerning children in conflict with the law and those in need of care and protection.
He noted that the Act promotes a child-friendly, best-interest approach to rehabilitation and social reintegration. It establishes mechanisms and institutions for this purpose and mandates registration of all child care institutions. He further highlighted key provisions, including handling heinous crimes committed by children aged 16–18.
Yawar, stressed on the significance of the Rights of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, which makes education a fundamental right for children aged 6–14.
He highlighted how the Act ensures inclusive education by mandating free admission for children from weaker and disadvantaged groups in private schools, thereby breaking the cycle of poverty, fostering social cohesion, and ensuring a brighter future for the nation.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from a large number of teachers, students, and other stakeholders.