Awareness drive on POCSO Act held at Panipat school

SD Vidya Mandir, HUDA, organised an awareness programme on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in Panipat to promote child safety among teachers and staff. The event was attended by teachers and support staff from SDVM HUDA, SDVM City and MASD School.

The chief guests and keynote speakers were Piyush Sharma, Additional District and Sessions Judge, Special Fast Track Court (POCSO), and Puneet Limbha, Additional Civil Judge (Senior Division) and Principal Magistrate, Juvenile Justice Board. The school’s choir group presented a welcome song.

Both speakers provided information on child safety guidelines and the provisions of the POCSO Act. They emphasised the importance of vigilance and awareness in preventing child sexual abuse and exploitation.

They also highlighted the stringent punishments prescribed under the Act for any form of sexual harassment or crime against children. The programme stressed the need to educate children about appropriate touch and how to seek help in case of any abuse.

The initiative aimed to equip teachers and staff with the knowledge and skills required to prevent and respond to cases of child sexual abuse. The school has also begun a wider awareness drive on the POCSO Act for students and staff to encourage open reporting of concerns.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the school’s chairman, Satish Chandra, who underscored the importance of child safety and reiterated the school’s commitment to complying with all relevant regulations. Teachers and staff described the programme as highly informative and impactful.