The Mission Shakti initiative educated students in Pavagada on women's legal rights, government welfare schemes, the POSH Act and emergency support services
A legal awareness programme under the Government's Mission Shakti scheme was organised at the Government Pre-University College in Pavagada, Tumakuru district, to educate students about women's legal rights, government welfare schemes, the POSH Act and emergency helplines. Officials stressed that legal literacy is essential for ensuring women's safety, security and empowerment.
Tumakuru: Reiterating that legal literacy is a cornerstone of women's safety and empowerment, District Mission Coordinator Shashidhar H.G. said legal awareness has become a mission-mode initiative under the Government's Mission Shakti programme to strengthen the protection, security and empowerment of women across the state.
He was addressing students after inaugurating the Legal Awareness and Assistance Programme jointly organised by the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Women and Child Development Department, Women Empowerment Unit, Tumakuru, and Government Pre-University College, Pavagada on Monday.
The awareness programme aimed to educate students about women's legal rights, government welfare schemes and the institutional support available to women and children facing social and legal challenges.
"Legal awareness is a mission-mode initiative that plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, security and empowerment of women."– Shashidhar H.G., District Mission Coordinator
Tumakuru Women Empowerment Programme Highlights Government Schemes
During his address, Shashidhar H.G. explained the objectives and benefits of several Central and State Government welfare schemes designed to improve the lives of women and children.
He highlighted flagship initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), along with schemes promoting women's welfare, girl child education and overall empowerment.
He highlighted that educating women about their rights and ensuring access to government welfare programmes are crucial for building an equitable and progressive society.
Tumakuru Mission Shakti Legal Awareness Educates Students on Women's Rights
Officials informed students about their legal rights, free legal aid services and the process of obtaining legal assistance whenever required.
The session also covered legal safeguards available to women in matters relating to child custody, family disputes and other legal issues. Students were encouraged to approach legal aid authorities and government support systems whenever they require assistance.
The organisers stressed that awareness is one of the strongest tools in preventing exploitation and ensuring access to justice.
POSH Act and Sakhi One Stop Centre Services Explained
Gender Specialist Rashmi R. Maitri delivered a detailed presentation on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, explaining how the legislation protects women against sexual harassment at workplaces.
She also educated participants about the services offered through Sakhi One Stop Centres, which provide integrated support, counselling, legal assistance and rehabilitation services to women facing violence or distress.
"It is essential to educate children about sexual harassment, safe touch and unsafe touch from an early age. Affectionate gestures that express care, love and security are considered safe, while any unwanted, forced or inappropriate touching, particularly involving private parts, is unsafe. Children should confidently say 'No' and immediately inform their parents or guardians."– Rashmi R. Maitri, Gender Specialist
Karnataka Women Helpline 181 and Emergency Services Explained
Accountant Poojashree S. explained the various emergency support services available for women and children facing violence or abuse.
She informed students that victims of domestic violence, cyber harassment, kidnapping or any emergency situation can seek immediate assistance by contacting the Women's Helpline 181, Child Helpline 1098, and the Emergency Response Support System 112.
Students were also made aware of the support available through the police, hospitals, legal aid authorities, One Stop Centres and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), enabling them to seek timely assistance during emergencies.
Officials encouraged students to report incidents without fear and make effective use of the legal and institutional mechanisms established for their protection.
"Awareness of legal rights and emergency support systems empowers women and children to seek timely protection and justice."
Tumakuru Government PU College Pavagada Hosts Awareness Programme
The programme was presided over by Government Pre-University College Principal Ramakrishnappa.
Senior Lecturer Dakshayani M.K., teaching and non-teaching staff, along with a large number of students, participated in the event.
Organisers said such awareness programmes are being conducted under Mission Shakti to strengthen legal literacy, promote gender equality and create a safer environment for women and children across Tumakuru district.
