Let us provide children with a nurturing environment, says judge at book launch on child protection laws in Ballari

“Merely enacting laws for child protection is not enough; we must also ensure a conducive environment for their overall development,” said K.G. Shanthi, Principal District and Sessions Judge and chairperson of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), on Saturday.

She was speaking after releasing the book Laws for the Protection of Children at a programme, jointly organised by the DLSA, READS organisation, the School Education and Literacy, and the Forest Departments in Ballari.

“Children are akin to divine beings. We must provide a safe and nurturing environment in houses, schools, and neighbourhoods to help them thrive. It is unfortunate that issues such as child labour, begging, human trafficking, child marriage, and sexual abuse continue to persist in our society. Poverty and a lack of education are the main reasons for this,” she said.

Ms. Shanti stressed that the role of NGOs was crucial in child protection. The newly launched book, published in collaboration with READS and various departments, would be made available in schools and libraries. “Children must be made aware of child marriage and POCSO Act through daily school assemblies. They must take a pledge against child marriage,” she said.

Highlighting the importance of environmental responsibility, she added: “Under the campaign One Tree for Every Child, One Forest for Every School, each school should plant trees and children should be made caretakers of those trees. Just as laws are essential for children’s rights, trees are essential for a healthy environment.”

She also paid tribute to fallen soldiers on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

Deputy Commissioner Prashanth Kumar Mishra, who presided over the event, said greater emphasis was needed on educational development in Kalyana Karnataka. “Awareness of laws protecting children must spread. Let us all join hands to eliminate child marriage in the district,” he said.

READS executive director C. Tippeshappa delivered the introductory remarks. Former member of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights H.C. Raghavendra introduced the book, while Janardhan, professor, Department of Development Studies, Kannada University, Hampi, conducted a workshop.

As part of the One Tree for Every Child campaign, dignitaries planted saplings on the court premises before the formal event.

The programme was attended by DLSA member secretary and senior civil judge Rajesh N. Hosamane, Assistant Conservator of Forests (Ballari division) Toshan Kumar, various district judges, officers from Education, Labour and Police Departments, DCPO and Childline staff, anganwadi supervisors, para-legal volunteers and heads of NGOs.