Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO)
Outreach Programme: Community Awareness on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO) On January 22, 2024, Ramaiah College of Law's Centre for Women and Child Welfare Policy (CWCWP) held a transformative Community Awareness Program at Chandapura Government High School, Bengaluru. This impactful event aimed to educate students on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO), and to raise awareness about child harassment.
The program was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Ms. Asha H K, District Child Protection Officer for Bengaluru Urban-West, and Smt. Dr. Kalpana Purushothaman, a member of the Juvenile Justice Board for Bengaluru Urban. Also in attendance were representatives from the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Ms. Amaidhi Devaraj and Mr. Sangappa Vaggar, along with our dedicated faculty coordinators, Dr. Anita A Patil and Ms. Sweta Kumari.
The event commenced with a serene recitation of Bhagavad Gita verses by the students, setting a reflective and spiritual tone. Following this, a thought-provoking skit performed by Ramaiah College of Law students highlighted key aspects of the POCSO Act and various forms of child harassment, emphasizing the critical need for increased awareness and proactive measures.
Dr. Kalpana Purushothaman delivered a powerful and insightful speech on the importance of breaking societal barriers that hinder the reporting of child harassment. A representative from the District Child Protection Office also shared crucial helpline information (1098 and 112), reinforcing the message of accessible support for those in distress.
An interactive Q&A session provided a platform for lively engagement between the high school students and those from Ramaiah College of Law. One of our law students effectively clarified a question about private defense in cases of sexual harassment, demonstrating the participants' keen interest and active involvement.
This program was a significant step towards our goal of educating and empowering the community on child protection laws. By fostering dialogue and disseminating essential knowledge, we strive to create a safer environment for children. The event stands as a testament to CWCWP's unwavering commitment to social justice and legal awareness, furthering the mission of Ramaiah College of Law.
