Jammu: Rajiv Kumar Khajuria, Founder and Honorary Patron of the National Development Foundation, Jammu, and Member of the Selection Committee under JJ Rules, J&K Government, delivered a special lecture at Army Public School Damana on Child Protection Laws, focusing on the Juvenile Justice Act and POCSO Act, with the aim of creating a safe and supportive environment for students in school. Principal Pushpinder Kaur, Vice Principal Shalu Kapoor, Headmistress Anurita Koul, and around 100 teachers of the school attended the interactive session led by Khajuria. Madhur Uppal delivered the welcome address, while the vice principal expressed the vote of thanks. Nisha Pandita, PO NDF, Aman Sharma, and Sahil Singh from NDF were also present.
While addressing the gathering, Khajuria sensitised the teachers about child protection laws and their importance in the school system. He provided an overview of the JJ Act, the POCSO Act, the Child Labour Act, and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. He emphasised the standard operating procedures under the POCSO for cases of sexual abuse reports. He clarified the responsibilities conferred on teachers, support staff, and the Head of the Institution under Section 19 of the POCSO Act. He warned that, in the event of non-reporting, Section 21 makes non-reporting a punishable offence. He also highlighted Section 75 of the JJ Act, Section 17(1) and (2) of the RTE Act, and called upon teachers to strictly adhere to the laws and procedures for dealing with children. Khajuria expressed satisfaction and congratulated the principal and management of APS Damana for ensuring a child-friendly environment in the school. He was happy to note that all committees and mechanisms required under law are in place in the school. He also sensitised the teachers on the UNCRC. After the lecture, a detailed question-and-answer session was held, during which Khajuria addressed all the questions to the satisfaction of the teachers and their core staff.
