Hathras Legal Authority Trains Nodal Teachers To Promote Constitutional Awareness

A training programme for nodal teachers of legal literacy clubs was organised in Hathras to promote awareness among students about the Indian Constitution, fundamental rights and duties. The programme was conducted by the District Legal Services Authority, Hathras, as part of the second phase of training for nodal teachers.

The training was held on 28 October in the video conferencing room of the District Court, Hathras. Nodal teachers from 39 schools were given detailed information about conducting a constitutional awareness campaign through legal literacy clubs.

The programme was organised on the directions of the Uttar Pradesh State Legal Services Authority, Lucknow, and under the orders of District Judge Vinay Kumar-III. Akanksha Garg, in-charge secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, was present during the programme.

Akanksha Garg said that constitutional awareness would be developed among students through legal literacy clubs. The objective is to ensure that the new generation becomes aware of its rights, duties and legal provisions. Through these clubs, students of classes 9 to 12 will be given important information about the basic principles of the Constitution and legal literacy.

During the first session, Judicial Magistrate Khushboo Chandra, Civil Judge (J.D.)/FTC-Second Arijit Singh and Civil Judge (J.D.)/FTC-First Robin Kumar spoke to the teachers about the making of the Constitution, the contribution of the Constitution-makers, the Preamble, fundamental rights, constitutional remedies, the Directive Principles of State Policy and fundamental duties.

The teachers were told that the Constituent Assembly handed the country the Indian Constitution after two years, 11 months and 18 days of tireless work. The session also explained the importance of constitutional remedies under Articles 32 and 226 of the Constitution.

The trainers explained that schools can use legal literacy clubs to organise quizzes, discussions and other creative activities. These activities can help connect students with constitutional values and make them more familiar with the rights and duties provided under the Constitution.

The second session focused on the role of the legislature, executive and judiciary. Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel Rituraj Singh and Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel Ashutosh Gautam conducted this part of the training.

They also provided information about important laws related to the safety of children. These included the POCSO Act, the law prohibiting child marriage and legal provisions related to the elimination of child labour. The teachers were encouraged to make students aware of these laws and to play their role in protecting children’s rights.

The third session dealt with free legal aid, Lok Adalat and the procedure for obtaining legal assistance. Mediator advocates Ramesh Chandra Verma and Sandeep Verma provided the information during this session.

They explained that Article 39A of the Constitution relates to equal justice and the provision of free legal aid. Under this provision, eligible needy people are provided a free lawyer and other necessary legal assistance. The purpose is to ensure that no person is denied justice because of financial or other difficulties.

The speakers described Lok Adalat as an accessible and speedy means of delivering justice. They said that eligible cases are disposed of there on the basis of mutual consent and compromise. This can save time and money, and the benefit of a refund of court fees may also be available according to the rules.

The nodal teachers were also informed about the National Legal Aid Helpline number 15100. They were asked to share information about this number and free legal aid through students with their families and other people in society. The aim is to ensure that citizens who need legal assistance can access its benefits.

Information was also given about the preparations, rules and format of the district-level quiz competition to be organised on 26 November 2026 on the occasion of Constitution Day. The competition is intended to encourage students to prepare better at the school level.

The District Legal Services Authority said the initiative is aimed at strengthening constitutional values, legal awareness, social responsibility and a sense of duty towards the country among students. The authority believes that legally aware students can play an important role in building a strong, just and equal society in the future.