KARIMNAGAR, OCTOBER 28, 2026: As part of the ongoing Surakshit Bachpan Abhiyan POCSO Act awareness campaign was organised under the aegis of Karimnagar District Legal Services Committee at Government High School, Dhangarwadi, in Mankammathota locality of Karimnagar town on Wednesday.
The POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) awareness session was organised to sensitise students to personal safety, appropriate and inappropriate behaviour, and the importance of recognising and reporting unsafe situations.
The session was organised by Yashwant Singh, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority and Senior Civil Judge. Speaking on the occasion, he said that laws provide strong safeguards for protection of child rights and prevention of crime against them and it is the responsibility of every individual in the society to provide a safe childhood to every child.
Educating the students on understanding personal boundaries, respecting others and distinguishing between safe and unsafe touch, he said that students were encouraged to speak up without fear, seek help from trusted adults and report any uncomfortable or inappropriate experiences promptly.
Yashwant Singh enlightened the students on child rights, personal safety and crime prevention. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act) was enacted to protect children below the age of 18 years from sexual assault, sexual harassment and other sexual offences. He said special courts could be set up to try cases under the Act. He said that it is important to protect the dignity and privacy of the affected children rather than revealing their identity and personal details.
School headmistress Gotte Pramoda underscored the significance of educating students about their rights and personal boundaries, as well as the importance of approaching trusted adults whenever they encounter uncomfortable or unsafe situations. The session also highlighted the importance of vigilance, mutual respect and timely intervention in fostering a secure and supportive school environment. Through age-appropriate discussions and practical guidance, the school staff reinforced the message that every child deserves to feel safe, respected and protected.
They informed the students to use the following emergency and support helplines such as; Child Helpline 1098, National Emergency Number 112, Women’s helpline 181, Cyber crime helpline 1930, NALSA legal aid helpline 15100 etc. The speakers raised awareness about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Assistant legal aid defence counsel Elugu Tanmayi, Marri Bhavana, school child protection officer Srilatha, teachers and students participated in the programme.
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