In Lucknow, a hall full of judges, administrators, and child rights advocates gathered not just for speeches but for a shared commitment: protecting the future of the girl child. The Judicial Training & Research Institute hosted a state-level consultation where the Allahabad High Court’s Juvenile Justice Committee and UNICEF united to sharpen the implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 and the POCSO Act, 2012.
A Gathering of Guardians
The consultation pulled together every key voice—district judges, POCSO judges, Juvenile Justice Board magistrates, senior government officials, UNICEF representatives, and even children from care institutions. The message was simple but urgent: safeguarding girls cannot remain a paper promise; it must become a lived reality in Uttar Pradesh.
Opening the Conversation
The ceremonial lamp was lit, marking not just tradition but intention. Chief Justice Arun Bhansali reminded the audience with Gandhi’s words that peace begins with children. Protecting the girl child, he said, was neither charity nor tokenism, but a constitutional duty. Justice Rajan Roy called out stagnant social attitudes as the real barrier, while Justice Ajay Bhanot pushed for fresh pedagogy that fuses education with emotional and social growth.
Government and UNICEF Step Forward
From the government’s side, Principal Secretary Leena Johri showcased initiatives like Mission Vatsalya and Mission Shakti—programs that move beyond policy into action for empowerment and rehabilitation. UNICEF’s Dr. Zakari Adam praised the consultation as more than talk—it was, he said, a participatory model with accountability at its heart.
Stories of Change
A special film, Nayi Rahein, Naye Sapne (“New Paths, New Dreams”), showed how yoga, meditation, art, theatre, and even gardening inside Child Care Institutions are reshaping the lives of children—turning institutions into spaces of growth rather than confinement.
Building Blocks for Tomorrow
The event wasn’t just reflective, it was productive. New initiatives were launched:
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Second edition of UDAAN, a publication dedicated to child protection.
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Website of the High Court Juvenile Justice Committee, bringing transparency and accessibility.
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52 new libraries across 32 districts, filling institutions with knowledge and opportunity.
Adding to this, the Women and Child Development Department signed MoUs with universities in Lucknow and Kanpur to expand educational and psychological support for children in institutional care.
A Collective Pledge
The day ended with gratitude but also a challenge—to move beyond ceremonies into systemic change. With judiciary, government, UNICEF, and academia at one table, the consultation marked not just a step forward but a commitment to walk the long road together.
The real test, as the speakers echoed, lies ahead: creating an environment where every girl in Uttar Pradesh grows not in fear, but with dignity, opportunity, and hope.
