Gadwal: On Friday, District Collector B.M. Santosh released a poster on child rights protection, created by the Rural Development Society, at the Collector’s Camp Office.
During the event, the District Collector highlighted the seriousness of sexual harassment cases involving children under 18. He emphasized that it is a non-bailable offense and warned that strict punishments will be enforced for those found guilty. According to the 2013 Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, anyone found guilty can face up to 3 years in prison or a fine of up to one lakh rupees. He stressed that both direct and indirect harassment of children will result in severe penalties.
The Collector also explained that Article 24 of the Indian Constitution prohibits employing children aged 6-14. Engaging children aged 14-18 in hazardous work is also a serious crime. Those who violate these rules can face imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 2 years, along with a fine of up to 50,000 rupees.
He further emphasized the importance of education for children. According to Article 21(A) of the Constitution, children aged 6-14 have the right to free primary education. Under the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, parents are responsible for ensuring their children attend school. The Collector stated that ensuring primary education is not just the government’s duty but also a responsibility society must share.
The Collector also discussed the 2006 Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. He said that marrying off girls below 18 years and boys below 21 years is a punishable offense. Violators of this law could face up to 2 years in prison or a fine of one lakh rupees. He added that anyone who permits, encourages, or conducts child marriages will also be considered an offender.
The 1956 Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act was also mentioned. Under this law, human trafficking, including the buying or selling of people, is strictly prohibited. Article 23 of the Indian Constitution bans practices such as slavery, forced begging, and prostitution.
The District Collector urged people to raise awareness about these laws. He encouraged families and communities to work together to protect children’s rights and ensure their safety. He also shared important emergency helpline numbers for assistance: Child Line: 1098, ERSS: 112, Police: 100, and Sakhi: 181.
Additional Collectors Lakshmi Narayana and Narsing Rao, along with DWO K. Sudha Rani and other officials, were present at the event.
