Sirsa CWC Teaches Students About POCSO, Child Rights

He encouraged students to stay aware of their rights and remain alert to any form of exploitation or inappropriate behaviour. If they ever face such a situation, he said, children should inform their parents, teachers or the relevant authorities without fear.

Understanding the POCSO Act

Committee members explained various provisions of the POCSO Act, telling students that the law includes strict provisions to protect children from sexual offences. They also emphasised the need to prevent child labour, understand the value of education and ensure a safe environment for every child.

Why It Matters

Awareness sessions like these are especially important in rural and semi-urban areas, where children may have limited access to information about their legal protections. Many cases of abuse go unreported because children do not recognise inappropriate behaviour or fear speaking out. By explaining the law in simple terms and assuring students that they can approach trusted adults, the CWC is helping build the confidence children need to seek help early.

The focus on child labour is equally relevant. Keeping children in school and away from work remains a key challenge, and linking child rights with the importance of education reinforces that message for both students and their families.

Schools Back the Effort

The principals and teachers of both schools thanked the members of the Child Welfare Committee, Sirsa. They said such awareness programmes play an important role in making children aware of their rights, their safety and their social responsibilities.

The Bigger Picture

Child Welfare Committees are statutory bodies under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, responsible for the care, protection and rehabilitation of children in need. Taking their work directly into schools moves child protection from a reactive approach to a preventive one, where children are equipped with knowledge before harm occurs.

Where Children Can Seek Help

Children in distress, or adults concerned about a child’s safety, can call the national Child Helpline at 1098 or the emergency number 112 for support.