Kondagaon : A legal literacy camp was organised at the Government Basic Girls Education Complex, Garangi, on September 1, pursuant to the directions of Principal District and Sessions Judge and Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, Kondagaon, Shri Khilawan Ram Rigri, and Chairman, Taluka Legal Services Committee, Narayanpur, Shri Jitendra Kumar Thakur.
The programme aimed to familiarise students with their constitutional rights, legal protections and responsibilities, while also creating awareness about issues affecting children and young people.
Smt. Barkha Rani Verma, Chief Judicial Magistrate and Senior Civil Judge, addressed the students and explained various Fundamental Rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India, including the Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right to Education and the Right to live with dignity. She also discussed the Fundamental Duties of citizens.
While explaining the Right to Education, she emphasised that parents and guardians have a responsibility to ensure that children attend school and receive their basic education.
She further sensitised the students about the legal provisions relating to child marriage. The students were informed that under the applicable law, the minimum legal age for marriage is 18 years for girls and 21 years for boys.
The students were also advised to exercise caution while using mobile phones and the internet. Detailed information was provided on cyber safety, responsible mobile-phone use, online risks and traffic rules. The session highlighted the importance of remaining alert against cyber-related offences and using digital platforms responsibly.
Shri Chandra Prakash Kashyap, Retainer Advocate, explained the Right against Exploitation and provisions concerning child labour. He informed the students that children below the age of 14 cannot be employed in prohibited or hazardous work. He also discussed legal provisions relating to equal pay for equal work, maternity benefits and inheritance rights.
Particular emphasis was placed on rights under Hindu succession law, including the principle that daughters have equal rights with sons in ancestral property, subject to the applicable statutory provisions.
Shri Kashyap also explained the role of the Legal Services Authorities and informed the students about persons eligible to receive free legal services. He encouraged those requiring legal assistance to approach the appropriate Legal Services Authority for support.
Shri Ghasi Ram Netam and Smt. Manisha Baghel, Para-Legal Volunteers (Adhikar Mitra), provided information about various schemes and initiatives of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
The programme was attended by Shri Ram Lal Dewangan, Lecturer, along with teachers and other staff members of the institution.
The legal literacy camp served as an important awareness initiative, helping students understand their constitutional rights, legal safeguards and responsibilities while also providing practical guidance on child protection, cyber security, education, traffic safety and access to free legal aid.
