Bhopal, May 14: A workshop on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was organised in Bhopal on Thursday under the “Safe Childhood Safe Future” awareness campaign.
The District Legal Services Authority Bhopal organised the programme as part of Jagriti Yojana 2025 following directions from the Madhya Pradesh State Legal Services Authority and under the guidance of the Principal District Judge.
The workshop took place at the Police Control Room auditorium and focused on child protection laws, the POCSO Act and awareness about child safety mechanisms.
Around 100 participants attended the programme, including police officials, representatives of special juvenile police units, educational institutions, hostels operated by the Social Justice Department, Women and Child Development Department officials, para legal volunteers, panel lawyers and members of social organisations.
The programme began with a lamp-lighting ceremony led by DCP Shraddha Tiwari, Legal Services Authority Secretary and Judge Sunit Agrawal, ADCP Manjulata Khatri and Child Welfare Committee Chairman Dhaniram Pawar.
During the workshop, speakers discussed legal safeguards available under the POCSO Act and the Juvenile Justice Act. Officials also explained the role of support persons, Child Welfare Committees and institutions responsible for the care and protection of children.
Representatives from social organisations and child care institutions shared information about police procedures, child safety measures and support systems available for children living in care homes and protection institutions.
Addressing the gathering, Sunit Agrawal highlighted the importance of free legal aid, victim compensation and mandatory reporting provisions under the POCSO Act. He also explained the role of support persons and the functioning of Child Welfare Committees.
Officials said the programme aimed to increase awareness and sensitivity towards child protection among police personnel, educational institutions, hostels and organisations working with children. The initiative also focused on improving coordination among departments to ensure a safer environment for children.
