Telangana State Legal Services Authority Conducts Sensitisation Programme On Protection Of Women And Children At Kamareddy

The programme was organised in association with the District Welfare Department, Kamareddy, with the objective of creating awareness among stakeholders who work closely with rural communities, including Panchayat Secretaries, Anganwadi Teachers, ASHA Workers, Self Help Group members and Para Legal Volunteers, on issues relating to prevention of child marriages, protection of women and children from sexual abuse, and awareness of laws such as the POCSO Act and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.

Justice P. Sam Koshy, Judge of the High Court for the State of Telangana and Executive Chairman, TSLSA, graced the programme as the Chief Guest, while Justice Narsing Rao Nandikonda, Judge of the High Court for the State of Telangana and Administrative Judge for Kamareddy District, participated as the Guest of Honour.

Delivering the welcome address, Dr. CH. V. R. R. Varaprasad, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Kamareddy, explained the object of organising the programme and highlighted the activities of the District Legal Services Authority. He emphasised that despite the existence of several laws, women and children continue to face physical abuse, mental trauma, and sexual violence, and noted that instances of child marriages are prevalent in areas such as Yellareddy, Banswada and Bichkunda of Kamareddy District.

Addressing the gathering, the District Superintendent of Police, Sri M. Rajesh Chandra, spoke about the role of the police in protecting the rights of women and children and the measures being taken to support victims. The Additional District Collector, Sri V. Victor, Bar Association President Sri Nanda Ramesh, and District Welfare Officer Smt. Prameela also addressed the participants, highlighting the collective responsibility of society in preventing crimes against women and children. It was stated that the “Sakhi” Centre functions round the clock for the welfare of women and that programmes such as “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” and “Rakshana Samrakshna” are being implemented, along with financial assistance for orphans and semi-orphans.

Sri Ch. Panchakshari, Member Secretary, Telangana State Legal Services Authority, Hyderabad, spoke on the role of Legal Services Institutions in providing free legal aid, organising Lok Adalats, and conducting legal awareness programmes. He highlighted that many crimes against children are committed by known persons and stressed the need for legal awareness among community members to ensure timely reporting and intervention.

Guest of Honour Justice Narsing Rao Nandikonda emphasised the importance of awareness of laws relating to child marriage and protection of women. He stated that child marriage is a cognizable offence and explained the punishments prescribed under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. He also spoke about the adverse impacts of child marriage on education, health, and social well-being, and addressed the provisions of the POCSO Act.

In his address, Justice P. Sam Koshy underscored that the protection of women and children is a shared social responsibility and not limited to laws or institutions. He stated that a society cannot progress if it fails to protect its women and children and emphasised the need for awareness, enforcement of laws, and creation of safe spaces at home, schools, workplaces and in society at large.

The programme highlighted the specific roles of Village Secretaries, Community Elders, Anganwadi Workers, ASHA Workers and Self Help Group members in ensuring the safety, dignity and welfare of women and children, including prevention of child marriages, reporting abuse, promoting education and facilitating access to government schemes.

On the occasion, posters relating to the POSH Act and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act were released. Appreciation certificates were presented to children rescued from child marriages, Special Officers of KGBV Schools, Community Mediation Volunteers and a teacher for social awareness initiatives. Two wheelchairs were distributed to senior citizens, and five sewing machines were distributed to women beneficiaries with the assistance of an NGO.

The Police Kala Jatha Brundam performed awareness songs highlighting the protection of women and children and the role of Legal Services Authorities in providing free legal aid. The programme concluded with acknowledgment of the contributions of the staff of the Principal District and Sessions Court, DLSA, Kamareddy, District Welfare Department and Police Department in ensuring the successful conduct of the event.