DLSA hosts legal awareness drives in Barato and Nongbah

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 28, 2025

The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), West Jaintia Hills, on Wednesday organised twin legal awareness programmes at Barato and Nongbah, reaching out to school students with vital lessons on women’s protection, child rights, substance abuse, and the rights of persons with disabilities. The initiatives aimed to empower young minds with knowledge of the law while encouraging them to become advocates of awareness in their communities.

At St. Peter Higher Secondary School, Barato, the programme focused on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act and the NDPS Act.

Resource persons M. Lamare, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, and F. B. Passah, Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel, highlighted the legal remedies available for women facing abuse, and explained the harmful effects of substance abuse along with the legal consequences under the NDPS Act. Students were encouraged to act as ambassadors of awareness within their communities.

On the same day, an awareness programme was also held at Mother Elizabeth School for the Visually Impaired, Nongbah. Sessions centered on the SAATHI Scheme, Child Rights, and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD Act).

Resource persons D. G. Kharshiing, Secretary, DLSA, D. Sutong, Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, and F. Lyngdoh, Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel, educated the children and teachers on fundamental rights, protections against discrimination, and entitlements under the law.

Through these outreach initiatives, the DLSA seeks to spread legal awareness across schools and communities, ensuring that knowledge of rights and remedies becomes a tool for empowerment and social change.