Chandigarh: In a significant step towards strengthening child protection through legal literacy and preventive awareness, the Haryana State Legal Services Authority (HALSA), under the guidance of the J ustice Deepak Sibal, Judge, Punjab & Haryana High Court and Executive Chairman, Haryana State Legal Services Authority, has undertaken a comprehensive statewide awareness campaign in schools and educational institutions to sensitise children about the provisions, implications and protective framework of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act).
The campaign, commenced on 13.05.2026, is being implemented through the District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in coordination with District Education Officers, District Elementary Education Officers, school principals, teachers, school authorities and other stakeholders. The initiative seeks to create a sustained culture of awareness wherein children are equipped with knowledge about their rights, personal safety, responsible conduct and the legal mechanisms available for protection and assistance.
The campaign has witnessed extensive outreach across the State. From 13.05.2026 to 15.08.2026, as many as 2,296 awareness programmes were organised across 1,731 schools and educational institutions, sensitising 3,10,841 students about the POCSO Act and related issues of child safety.
The programmes have been designed to go beyond conventional lectures by encouraging interaction and age-appropriate discussions on child protection, safe behaviour, responsible use of technology and social media, cyber safety, prevention of exploitation and abuse, and avenues available for reporting offences and seeking assistance.
The campaign addresses the wider consequences of offences under the POCSO Act, including their potential impact on the education, career, family life and social well-being of children and young persons. The objective is not merely to inform, but to prevent children from inadvertently entering situations that may expose them to exploitation, abuse or conflict with law.
The initiative reflects HALSA’s commitment to preventive legal education, child protection and access to justice, with the underlying objective of empowering children with knowledge before they encounter situations requiring legal intervention.
