Srinagar, Nov 14 (KNS): Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Judge of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and Executive Chairman of the J&K Legal Services Authority, on Saturday stressed the need to ensure protection, education and equal opportunities for every child, saying children living in institutional care require special attention and sustained support for their overall development.

Justice Kumar made the remarks while celebrating Children’s Day with children residing at Paresha, a home for girls, and Palash, a home for boys, at Ishber, Nishat, in Srinagar.

Interacting with the children, he listened to their experiences, interests and aspirations and encouraged them to pursue education, develop their talents and remain confident about their future.

He said every child, irrespective of background or circumstances, deserved care, affection, protection and a dignified environment to grow and realise their potential.

Justice Kumar observed that children were the foundation of the country's future and their education, health, emotional well-being and overall development must remain a priority for government institutions and society.

He said children residing in institutional care needed particular attention to ensure that they grew up with confidence, self-respect and a sense of belonging.

Emphasising equal access to opportunities, he said no child should be deprived of participation in educational, cultural, recreational or sporting activities because of their circumstances.

Justice Kumar also highlighted the importance of protecting children against abuse, exploitation, neglect and discrimination, saying safeguarding their rights was not only a legal obligation but also a moral and constitutional responsibility.

He stressed that children must be made aware of their rights, including the right to education, safety, protection, participation and development, in a manner appropriate to their age and understanding.

Referring to the role of Legal Services Institutions, he said legal awareness, access to justice and institutional assistance were essential for protecting the rights of children, particularly those belonging to vulnerable and disadvantaged sections of society.

He also called for stronger coordination among the Legal Services Authority, Social Welfare Department, Mission Vatsalya, educational institutions, sports organisations and other stakeholders to improve child protection and welfare services.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

During the visit, Justice Kumar, along with accompanying officers, distributed bicycles, cricket kits, blankets, sports uniforms and other essential items among the children to encourage their participation in sports and recreational activities.

Smart Boards were also provided to both Paresha and Palash homes to strengthen educational facilities and promote digital learning.

Officials said the initiative was aimed at improving access to modern teaching methods and ensuring that children living in institutional care were not deprived of technology-enabled education.

The Children’s Day programme also featured cultural performances and recreational activities in which children from both homes participated.

A traditional Kashmiri Rauf performance presented by the children was among the highlights of the programme, reflecting Kashmir's cultural heritage.

The children also participated in games, including musical chairs and spoon races, while a cake-cutting ceremony was organised to mark the occasion.

Justice Kumar joined the children in the celebrations and encouraged them to continue participating in educational, cultural and sporting activities.

The programme was attended by Shazia Tabasum, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority; Naseer Ahmad Dar, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Srinagar; Naseer Ahmad, Director School Education Kashmir; Jahangir Ahmad Bakhshi, Joint Registrar Protocol, High Court of J&K and Ladakh; and Dr Mukhtiyar Ahmad, District Social Welfare Officer, Srinagar.

Wajahat Majeed, Joint Secretary of the Cricket Association of Jammu and Kashmir; Showkat Ahmad Mir, Superintendent Palash; Sitander Kour, Superintendent Paresha; Feroz Ahmad, Convener J&K Alternative Care Network; and other officials were also present.

Officials said the programme was part of the Legal Services Authority's efforts to promote child welfare, strengthen legal awareness and ensure that children in institutional care receive educational, recreational and developmental opportunities.

The children expressed happiness over the celebrations and the distribution of educational and recreational materials.

The J&K Legal Services Authority reiterated its commitment to strengthening access to justice, protecting children's rights and working with concerned departments to improve the welfare and development of vulnerable children across Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS)