Hapur School Students Hold POCSO Awareness Rally

A POCSO awareness rally was taken out at Government Inter College, Anupur Dibai, in Hapur, as part of the celebrations marking the birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, and Bharat Ratna Lal Bahadur Shastri, the country’s second Prime Minister.

The birth anniversaries were observed at the school with enthusiasm and participation. Following the directions of the Uttar Pradesh State Legal Services Authority, Lucknow, a special campaign was organised at the school to spread awareness about child rights and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, also known as the POCSO Act, 2012.

As part of the programme, school students took out a Prabhat Pheri and an awareness rally from the school premises. The students carried banners and placards displaying awareness-related slogans. They moved through the major routes of Anupur Dibai village during the rally.

Through the rally, villagers were made aware of children’s safety, child rights and the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. The campaign focused on the importance of understanding the legal safeguards available for children and the responsibility of society towards their protection.

Principal Dhanpal Singh said that the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri continue to inspire society. He said that creating awareness about children’s safety and their rights is the responsibility of every citizen.

Ruchi Shishodia described information about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act as important for children as well as parents. She said that awareness can help in providing children with a safe environment.

Senior teacher Amit Kumar Sharma, who has been honoured with the State Teacher Award, said that the purpose of education is not limited to providing textbook knowledge. He said that education must also make students aware of their rights, duties and social responsibilities.

Teachers, school employees and a large number of students attended the programme. At the end, everyone took a pledge to remain aware of child safety, the protection of rights and nation-building.