Legal Awareness Programme Organised Under Safe Childhood Campaign at DPS School, Doranda; Children Educated About POCSO Act
Ranchi: Creating awareness among all sections of society, along with enforcing the law, is essential to prevent sexual offences against children, said District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Ranchi Secretary Rakesh Raushan. He was addressing a legal awareness programme organised under the ‘Safe Childhood Campaign’ at DPS School, Doranda, on November 5, 2026. He said every child has the right to a safe childhood and a better future. During the programme, students were informed about their legal rights, protection against sexual offences and the provisions of the POCSO Act, 2012.
DLSA Secretary Rakesh Raushan explained that the POCSO Act provides legal protection to children below 18 years of age against sexual abuse, harassment and exploitation. The Act prescribes stringent punishments for offenders and provides for child-friendly investigation and judicial procedures. Atul Gera, head of Life Saver NGO, said that protecting children is not merely the responsibility of law enforcement agencies but also a moral and social responsibility of the entire community. Deputy Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) Rajesh Kumar Sinha urged parents to maintain friendly relationships with their children, educate them about good touch and bad touch, and encourage them to speak openly without fear whenever they face an uncomfortable situation.
During the programme, children were informed about the National Legal Aid Helpline (15100), Child Helpline (1098) and Cyber Crime Helpline (1930). DLSA officials stated that legal awareness programmes and street plays would continue to be organised in schools and colleges to educate children about their rights and safety. Those present included DLSA Secretary Rakesh Raushan, Deputy LADC Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Atul Gera, Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) Ganesh Kumar, Amit Badaik, Dipendra Kumar, Pradeep Nag and Namita Devi, along with teachers and students of DPS School.
