Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 24 March 2025
The Andaman & Nicobar State Legal Services Authority (A&N SLSA) successfully organized a Legal Awareness Programme on ‘Child Care and Protection’ at Abbhyuday Complex, Bal Niketan, Children’s Home, Directorate of Social Welfare, A&N Administration, Ferrargunj, South Andaman, on March 22, 2025. The programme aimed to educate and empower children by raising awareness about their legal rights, safety, and available protection mechanisms.
The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Justice Soumen Sen, Judge, Calcutta High Court & Chairperson, Juvenile Justice Committee, High Court at Calcutta, and Hon’ble Justice Raja Basu Chowdhury, Judge, High Court at Calcutta & Zonal Judge (Additional) for A&N Islands. During their visit, the dignitaries assessed the existing facilities and engaged in discussions on enhancing the safety, security, and rehabilitation of the children.
Mr. Bhawani Shanker Sharma, Ld. Registrar, Calcutta High Court, Circuit Bench at Port Blair-cum-Member Secretary, A&N SLSA, Mr. Neyaz Alam, Ld. Additional District & Sessions Judge, Port Blair, and Mr. Souvik Ghosh, Judicial Magistrate First Class, 1st Court, Port Blair, also accompanied the dignitaries.
The programme included interactive sessions with the children, including Divyang (children with disabilities), focusing on their rights under child protection laws, available legal remedies, and the role of the legal system in ensuring their well-being. The dignitaries also interacted with the staff of Bal Niketan, the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Department of Social Welfare, special education teachers, Office Superintendent, In-Charge of Bal Niketan, Abbhyuday Complex, Ferrargunj, and other staff members, including the cook.
The Hon’ble Justices suggested measures to improve the infrastructure and enhance the overall facilities and living conditions at Bal Niketan. They emphasized the need to strengthen child protection mechanisms and create a nurturing environment that supports the holistic development of children.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting children’s rights, the A&N State Legal Services Authority continues to implement legal awareness initiatives, intervention programs, and collaborative efforts with key stakeholders to ensure a safer and more secure future for all children in the region. (Story Based on PR)