One-day workshop on substance abuse prevention and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) conducted at Namchi

Date:24th September 2024
Venue: District Administration, Namchi
Organized by: District Administration, Namchi under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan

Namchi, 24 September: The District Administration, Namchi, conducted a one-day workshop aimed at addressing two critical issues in educational institutions: substance abuse prevention and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) under the guidance of DC Namchi. Principals of senior secondary schools from Namchi District and final-year students from Loyola College attended the workshop, which focused on equipping participants with practical strategies for early identification and intervention in these challenges.
The event opened with remarks from the Additional District Collector, followed by a keynote from the Senior Superintendent of Police, Namchi, who stressed the importance of collaboration between schools and law enforcement in combating substance abuse and POCSO cases.
Key sessions of the workshop covered identifying early signs of substance abuse, intervention strategies, rehabilitation, and a comprehensive understanding of legal frameworks such as the Sikkim Anti-Drugs Act (SADA), the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Expert speakers included Dr. Meesho Chettri from the OST center, district psychologists Ms. Divya Rai and Ms. Kavya Rai, District Child Protection Officer Ms. Pema Wangmu Bhutia, legal professionals Mr. Anjan Sharma, President of the Namchi Bar Association, and Ms. Kesang Doma Bhutia, Assistant General Secretary, along with law enforcement officials SHO Namchi Mr. Ashish Bhujel and SHO Jorethang Mr. Umesh Pradhan. They shared valuable insights on prevention, rehabilitation, and the legal responsibilities of educators.
Special emphasis was placed on the role of school heads in handling POCSO cases and the necessary legal actions to protect students. An interactive Q&A session allowed participants to engage with experts, enhancing their understanding of these critical issues.
The workshop marked a significant step in fostering safer school environments by providing school administration and future educators with essential knowledge on early intervention, legal responsibilities, and rehabilitation strategies. Positive feedback from participants highlighted the need for similar initiatives targeting secondary school educators, ensuring that school leaders are better equipped to protect and support their students.