Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 26: Farooq Qaiser Malik, SSP Traffic Jammu, and Rajiv Kumar Khajuria, a prominent civil society leader, patron of the National Development Foundation, and member of the selection committee under JJ Rules of the J&K Government, raised awareness among children, teachers, and communities on child protection.
They emphasised child rights, participation, and traffic norms during a programme on child protection organised by the National Development Foundation Jammu, the School Education Department and UNICEF India at the Government Middle School at Barnai.
Qaiser was the chief guest at the programme, while it was presided over by Rajiv Khajuria, Anubhuti, DySP Traffic, and Ruksana Kouser, ZEO Jammu, were guests of honour on the occasion. Around 120 children, teachers, staff and members of civil society attended the event. Kuldeep, Headmaster of the school, delivered a vote of thanks and Amarpreet Arora, Teacher, extended a welcome to all. Nisha Pandita, PO NDF and Sunny Kumar, Programme Manager NDF, served as resource persons.
In the morning, a similar programme was organised at Govt Girls Middle School, Janipur, with DEPO Jammu B D Sharma as the chief guest and Rajiv Khajuria, Founder of NDF, presiding over the event. ZEO Jammu Ruksana Kouser was the guest of honour. I/C HM Vishal Kumar expressed the vote of thanks, while Anupama Sharma, a teacher, delivered the welcome address. Children and adolescent groups were formed at both Janipur and Barnai.
Rajiv Khajuria, in his address, highlighted child rights as envisioned in the UNCRC and the Constitution of India. He also referred to the relevant provisions of the JJ Act and POCSO in his speech. He hopes the children and adolescent groups formed today will represent their peers and will do outreach to highlight their issues.
Faqooq Qaiser, SSP, educated children about traffic rules and urged those under 18 not to drive until they turn 18 and obtain a licence. He also informed that under the Motor Vehicle Act; parents will face penalties if their children are caught driving illegally. He also sensitised children on zebra crossings, helmet use, and other traffic regulations, warning that violations could lead to accidents and the loss of precious lives. He provided alarming figures of road accidents and deaths in 2024. He appreciated the role of the National Development Foundation in organising such outreach programmes for the benefit and empowerment of children.
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