Madhya Pradesh State Legal Services Authority Launches 'Surakshit Bachpan Abhiyan' Across State
LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK
6 Nov 2026 10:56 AM IST
The Madhya Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (MPSLSA) launched a statewide school-based awareness campaign titled 'Surakshit Bachpan Abhiyan' on November 1, 2026, at Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU), Amarkantak, District Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh.
The campaign was launched pursuant to the directions of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and in furtherance of the objectives of the NALSA (Child-Friendly Legal Services for Children) Scheme, 2024.
The initiative was launched under the leadership and guidance of Justice Alpesh Y. Kogje, Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court and Patron-in-Chief, MPSLSA, and under the guidance of Justice Vivek Rusia, Administrative Judge of the High Court and Executive Chairman, MPSLSA.
The campaign aims to strengthen child protection, promote legal literacy and create awareness among school-going children about their rights, safety and available legal remedies. It also focuses on sensitising children about the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
Justice Vivek Rusia Emphasises School-Level Awareness On Child Protection
The inaugural session was attended by Justice Vivek Rusia and Justice Deepak Khot, Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court and Portfolio Judge, District Anuppur.
Justice Rusia formally released the campaign brochure titled 'Surakshit Bachpan'. Delivering the keynote address, he emphasised the importance of educating children about their rights, personal safety and legal safeguards. He also highlighted the need to equip children with the knowledge and confidence to identify unsafe situations, seek assistance and report instances of abuse without fear.
Justice Deepak Khot, in his special address, highlighted the importance of sensitising children, educational institutions, parents and society about the provisions of the POCSO Act, 2012. He emphasised timely intervention, awareness and effective institutional mechanisms for protecting children from sexual offences.
One-Day Workshop 'UDAAN – Empowered Adolescents, Empowered Future'
As part of the campaign, a one-day workshop titled 'UDAAN – Empowered Adolescents, Empowered Future' was organised to promote the holistic development, safety and well-being of adolescents.
The workshop covered health and well-being, career guidance, personal safety, legal awareness, digital safety, emotional resilience, gender sensitisation and responsible decision-making. Expert-led sessions, interactive activities, discussions and role-play exercises were conducted to familiarise participants with their rights and responsibilities.
Sessions On Health, Career Guidance And Child Safety
The session on 'Holistic Health and Well-being of Adolescents' was conducted by Prem Avatar Das, Director, ISKCON Ujjain. It covered physical health, nutrition, lifestyle, mental and emotional well-being, sleep, exercise, digital balance and preventive healthcare.
The session on 'Career Guidance and Future Readiness' was conducted by Prof. Raghvendra Mishra, Dean, Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication, IGNTU. It focused on career opportunities, skill development, goal setting, scholarships and emerging avenues, including agriculture as a modern and technology-driven profession.
POCSO Act And Child Protection Mechanisms
Suman Shrivastava, Member Secretary, MPSLSA, conducted a session on 'Prevention of Violence Against Children and Child Safety'.
The session covered child protection mechanisms, key provisions of the POCSO Act, 2012, reporting procedures, complaint mechanisms, the role of Legal Services Authorities and access to free legal aid and justice.
Digital Safety And Emotional Well-being
Aniruddha Jain, Deputy Secretary, MPSLSA, conducted a session on 'Digital Safety and Cyber Awareness', addressing the safe use of social media, cyberbullying, online risks and available legal remedies.
A session on 'Adolescent Health and Emotional Well-being' was conducted by Dr. Sangeeta Shrivastava, Consultant/Mediator Trainer, along with V. Karuna Rao, Programme Coordinator, JJC, High Court of Madhya Pradesh. The session addressed stress, peer pressure, body image, resilience, effective communication and gender sensitisation.
Participants also took part in group activities and role-play exercises focusing on gender-based violence, bullying and online harassment.
Students Present Street Play On Child Safety
As part of the campaign, school students presented a street play titled 'खामोशी तोड़ो, बचपन बचाओ' (Break the Silence, Save Childhood), conveying the importance of breaking the silence surrounding child abuse and creating a safe environment for children.
Justice Anand Pathak Addresses Valedictory Session
The valedictory session was attended by Justice Anand Pathak, Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Addressing the gathering, he encouraged children to remain aware of their rights, understand personal safety and develop the confidence to speak up against abuse and exploitation.
Maya Vishwalal, Principal District and Sessions Judge and Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, Anuppur, also addressed the gathering.
Students were felicitated with prizes in recognition of their participation in various competitions and the street play. The programme concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Suman Shrivastava, Member Secretary, MPSLSA, followed by the National Anthem.
The programme was attended by university authorities, judicial officers, representatives of the District Legal Services Authority, resource persons, school students and officers and officials of MPSLSA.
