Senior Citizens Rights - An Awarness Campaign of Calangute Free Legal Aid Cell

Calangute Free Legal Aid Cell organised a legal awareness program in collaboration with Lions Club of Calangute on "Maintenance and Protection of Senior Citizen and their Consumer Rights" on 5th of March 2017 at 11.00am at Senior Citizen Hall.

The chief guest and spokesperson for the program was Mr . Roland Martins an activist , an active member of the Goa State Consumer protection council and consumer conciliation committee. Others present were professor Nagesh kolvalkar and Mrs. Eudis another member of consumer forum and Mrs.Kanchan Nagvenkar(President of Lions club Of Calangute) .

The students also filled forms for making senior citizen cards.The program was attended by almost 80 people mostly compromising of women aged between 20 yrs to 70 yrs. All the cell members were present for the program. Ms.Rupa welcomed the gathering and introduced the legal aid cell. Ms.sonal introduced the guest. Professor Nagesh Kolvalkar spoke about the services that the legal aid cell provides.

Legal Literacy on Domestic Violence at Sancoale Free Legal Aid Cell

As the instances relating to domestic violence is rampant in the State of Goa, the Sancoale free legal aid cell marched to organise a legal literacy programme on the topic tiled ‘Domestic Violence and Protection’ on 5th of March 2017 at MES College, Vasco .

Adv. Rajiv Dhavalikar, a well-known Advocate practicing in South Goa District Court was the key note speaker. Prof. Ashwini Naik the faculty head of the legal aid cell attended the program. After according a formal welcome to the gathering, the cell student member Mr. Amrit stated about the functioning of the Legal Aid Cell. The importance behind providing free legal aid was highlighted by Prof. Ashwini.

Adv. Rajiv began the talk by posing question to the audience as to ‘what according to them is Domestic Violence’? Explained the meaning of Domestic Violence, he said that it’s a type of abuse which involves injuring someone especially a spouse or partner but it can also be a child or any other family member.

He then discussed about the pattern of violence and its serious effect which could be physical, emotional, sexual and even economic. He later explained physical abuse as the one that involves hitting, punching, choking, pushing and other type of contact which results in physical injury. Speaking about emotional abuse he said that it is something which includes threatening the victim, humiliating the victim in public, constant criticism and making statements that defames her and damages her self-esteem. He explained sexual abuse as any situation where any force is used to obtain participation in any sexual activity and lastly with regard to economic abuse he said that the abuser has control over victim’s money and other economic resources.

Awareness Program on Cyber Crimes @ Mapusa Free Legal Aid Cell

Cyber Crimes and Safe Use of Internet is one topic on which students are to be made aware of, right from their high school days. Keeping in mind the importance of the topic, the Mapusa Free Legal Aid Cell in association with the Caculo College Legal Aid Cell, organized a legal literacy program on 27 February 2017, at the Sridora Caculo College of Commerce and Management Studies, Khorlim, Mapusa Goa.

Mapusa Free Legal Aid Cell members with Adv. Eshan  Usapkar and Dr. Mrunmayi Vaidya

Ms. Vaibhavi Amonker, the student deputy in-charge, introduced and welcomed the guest speaker Advocate Eeshan Usapkar as well as the Faculty in-charge of the cell, Dr.Mrunmayi Vaidya.

Adv.Eeshan Usapkar made the session a highly interactive one, and received overwhelming response from the audience. He spoke in detail about the various types of cybercrimes, with ample illustrations and case studies. 

The talk focused on measures to safeguard oneself from such crimes, both as victims and as offenders. 

He gave examples wherein a lot of children were actually victims of Cyber Crimes and enumerated the various kinds of offences that the children regularly commit while handling Social Networking Sites. He also gave some demonstrations as to the practical hacking of Mobile phones. Information on the Cyber Cell of the Police Department was also conveyed.

The students of Saraswat Vidyalaya High School, Dnyanprasarak Vidyalaya High School, Purushottom Walawalkar Higher Secondary School, and Sridora Caculo College of Commerce and Management Studies  attended the program.

The Program concluded with the vote of thanks by Student in-charge Mr. Balkrishna Thali. Miss. Ruta Prabhudessai compered the Program.

Soccoro Awareness Drive on Consumer Rights

Socorro Free Legal Aid Cell of V.M.Salgaocar College of Law organized a talk on Consumer Rights Awareness as a part of their legal literacy programme on 23rd February 2017 at 5:00pm at the 20 point colony garden. 

The resource person was Mr. Roland Martins, GOACAN Convenor. Ms. Lona and our faculty in-charge Prof. Dr. Shabir Ali were also present. The gathering was addressed by Cell Member Mr. Nigel Lourenceo welcomed the audience and introduced the guests. Nigel also spoke about the objectives and functions of the legal aid cell.

The students members had conducted an extensive campaigning on the previous days, on 21st Feb and 22nd February and they had informed the residents to carry their domestic gas cards as requested by Mr. Roland Martins. 

Mr.Roland Martins started the session by explaining the rights of the consumers under the Consumer Protection Act as well as the reliefs available to every consumer. He also explained to the residents where to file a complaint when necessary. 

Proceeding with the talk Mr. Roland Martins demonstrated how to disconnect a cylinder as well as the procedure of connecting the cylinder in the correct manner. He also explained and showed how to light the burner with proper safety. Similarly he gave many safety tips. 

Thereafter Mr.Martins focused on the fuel conservation tips on transport and domestic sectors also in which he included small tips for LPG consumers like switching off the engines at red lights to reduce fuel bills, driving car at 45-55 KMPH which can save petrol up to 20%, use of pressure cooker to cook faster and to save fuel, having meal together with family as it can save LPG on reheating food and many more such tips. He requested all the participants to buy products having ISI marks. Leaflets on which 24 hours helpline numbers are mentioned as well as numbers to call during office hours for any complaints were distributed. 

The program ended with the vote of thanks proposed by the cell member. About 147 residents of 20 point Colony and Soccorro village Panchayat area attended the program.

Child Rights Talk at Porvorim VPP

As a part of the free legal aid services of V.M. Salgaocar College of Law, the Porvorim Free Legal Aid Cell members organised a talk on ‘Child Rights’ at Vidya Prabodhini High School on 11^th February 2017 at 4.00 pm. The topics covered were Child Abuse and Role of Parents and Children; secondly Child Rights and the Child Helpline Number.

The programme was attended by porvorim locals which included school students. Prof. Sonal Sardessai, the faculty in – charge of the cell witnessed the programme.

The dignitaries Ms. Jessica Pereira and Ms. Soraya Borgeous were extended a floral welcome. Ms. Jessica Pereira explained what kinds of child abuse exist. She stated that child abuse need not be physical only but emotional too when someone makes racist comments against a child such as “your are ugly” or “fat” or “dark skinned”.  Ms. Jessica also brought to our wake by sighting real instances of child abuse in Goan schools where boys are also victims. As per statistics the abuse to boys is much more than girls and this is because boys are afraid to speak up.

Ms. Pereira explained what role a parent should play when their child is subjected to any abuse. Parents need to be more involved to know what happens to their child whenever he goes to school or travels alone. She also urged parents to be a moral support when their child is a victim to abuse and not to blame the child rather assure him/ her of their security.  She categorically stated that, if anyone knows of such abuse cases can report the same by calling onto 1098 and the confidentiality of the caller will also be protected.

Ms. Pereira spoke to the children as to what should be their role when they are subjected to any kind of abuse. She urged the children to speak up to their parents or who they trust most and not to hide anything.

Mr. Soraya Borgeous had an interactive session with the children and asked them to list out their rights. The children readily replied that they had a right to education, food, shelter, clothing etc. Ms. Borgeous then explained to them that there are four categories of rights which cover civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights of every child they are: Right to Survival; Right to Protection; Right to Participation and the Right to development. Universally Child Rights are defined by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Child (UNCRC) she added.

Ms. Borgeous also explained the various forums that deal with matters of children such as the Child Welfare Committee, the Juvenile Justice Board and Children’s Court. Ms. Borgeous cited a few successes stories of rescued children leading a better life due to their efforts.

A small animated film in Konkani was then shown to the crowd. The film explained how a sweet friend or relative can turn out to be you worst enemy. It highlighted what as ‘Bad touch’ was. 

At the close of the session Prof. Sonal Sardessai explained to the people what free legal aid is and how the society could benefit from it instead of spending money for the same elsewhere.

Ms. Yuga gave in the closing note and thanked each and everyone who was a part of the programme. 

Awareness on Child Rights @ Anjuna Free Legal Aid Cell

The members of Anjuna Free Legal Aid Cell of V.M Salgaocar College Of Law in collaboration with the Childline Goa, organized a legal literacy programme on "Childline Awareness", on 11th  Feb 2017 in the Sacred Heart Of Jesus High School,Anjuna.     

Miss.Pranita Calangutkar, the councilor of the NGO and her two teammates,  Harshal Mandrekar and Vineeta Gadekar, were the guest speakers and Professor Andruysha D'costa E Pinho, the Faculty in-charge of cell attended the program.   

Ms. Vineeta Gadekar began the session with a brief introduction of the Childline and a talk was delivered by Ms.Pranita Calangutkar explained all four rights of the children beautifully with the help of power point presentation. The session comprised of illustrative cases, educational movie and interaction with the audience. The session went on for about 1 hour and was attended by more than 40 villagers. 

The session ended with a demo and trial of calling 1098, the childline number to understand its working and to understand how it is to be approached. The programme was organised under the guidance of faculty in-charge professor Andruysha D'costa E Pinho. Mr. John Fernandes, Cell member delivered the vote of thanks.

The talk was very informative and the people were very interactive .After the session three of the families immediately approached childline for help which showed that efficacy of the program. 

Legal Literacy Program @ Marcela Free Legal Aid Cell

Marcela Free Legal Aid Cell organised an awareness program on Prevention of Child Abuse on 12th February 2017 at Panchayat Hall Amona, Amona Goa. The program was held in association with Childline, an NGO working on Child Rights in Goa.

Ms Pranita Calangutkar, MA in psychology, working at Childline as counselor, was the resource person. She was accompanied by Childline volunteer Mr. Pawan Kumar. Amona Panchayat Panch Mrs.Ujwala Sawant also attended the program.

Ms. Pranita spoke on the various rights of the child including, right to survival, rights to development and right to protection. The various abuses on children were discussed and an educational video was shown.

Mr. Tanmai Gawas, Cell Member compered the program and Ms Vignesha Shet, the student in-charge proposed the vote of thanks. Almost 70 people attended the program

Goa Velha Free Legal Aid Cell – Awareness Campaign on Child Rights

The members of Goa Velha Free Legal Aid Cell of V. M. Salgaocar College of Law, Goa in collaboration with the childline, an organization that works for the protection and welfare of children organised a legal literacy program, a talk on CHILD RIGHTS, on 11th February 2017 in the Church Hall of the St . Andrews Church situated at Goa Velha.

Miss. Jessica Pereira and Miss. Suraya Borges, the team volunteers of childline were the guest speakers and Prof. Gomati Desai, the faculty in charge of the cell also attended the program.

Ms. Srushti Patil, the Student in charge, introduced the guest speakers. Ms Jessica began the session with a brief introduction of the child line, about its objectives and its functioning. Miss Suraya spoke on rights of children. She explained the four most important rights that a child has with the help of a power point presentation. She illustrated  various cases that childline had come across in Goa and showed a video on the rights of children which made the session very interactive. After that she informed the audience about the helpline number for children-1098 and its functioning. The session ended with a demo and a trial of calling 1098 to understand how it works and how it's to be approached. The session was for one hour and was attended by twenty people. 

The cell member, Jatan Rodrigues delivered the vote of thanks The program was organized under the guidance of Prof. Gomati Desai, the faculty incharge of the cell. The session was very informative and of great help to the people. The efforts taken by the cell members made the program successful.

Guirim Free Legal Aid Cell – Program on Child Rights

The program was organized by the Gurim Free Legal Aid Cell in collaboration with Childline, on the 11th of February, 2017 in order to spread awareness about the rights of children. The program was held at Guirim Panchayat Hall.  The faculty in charge of the Cell, Prof. Pearl Monteiro was present for the same.

It was an hour long session and commenced at 3:30 pm. The members had conducted campaigning in the neighbourhood day in advance, which ensured an audience of about people, of which 22 were children from the neighboring schools.

Human Rights of the Child - Legal Literacy @ Old Goa Free Legal Aid Cell

Old Goa Free Legal Aid Cell conducted legal literacy programme on 31^st January 2017, under the able guidance of faculty in – charge of the cell Prof. Dr. Nagesh Colvalkar on topic titled ‘Human Rights in relation to Child Rights’ at V.V.S Kunkoliekar Higher Secondary School, Ela,Old-Goa. Child Rights members (CRG - NGO) of the State of Goa Ms. Nishtha Desai and Ms. Sushma Pawar graced the function. Ms. Lorna Lotlikar, Principal of V.V.S Higher Secondary School, Old-Goa also showed her presence on the occasion.

The programme commenced with welcome address and introduction of the guests given by student cell member Ms. Maria Cota Viegas. Ms. Nishtha Desai explained the history behind child rights, while narrating the story of a minor girl 9 years old by name Mary Ellen who was physically and mentally abused. In 1873, Ella Wheeler, a social worker came to know the condition of Mary and helped her through the support of ‘American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’.

This was the main cause which led to the establishment of ‘New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Childrens’ in 1875, which was the 1^st remarkable and bold step taken in the annals of the history of United Nation Conventions on the Rights of the Child. This cause was supported by India, on 11^th December 1992 by ratifying the Convention. 

Ms. Nishtha further proceeded to state that, Childrens Rights in Goa (CRG) is dedicated to improving the status of children’s in the state. It creates awareness on the rights of the child and is committed to prevent child abuse and exploitation of children. It is also committed to promote gender justice through the activities it conducts. Focussing on the ‘best interest principle’; the rights of the child which includes the Right to Survival, the Right to Development, the Right to Protection and the Right to Participation and stressing on the fact that offence against the child warrants penalty, Ms. Nishtha discussed on the constitution of CRC. Other serious issues which can be eradicated only by honest commitment from people at large were also discussed such as Female Foeticide; Child Labour; Beggary; Child Sexual Abuse; Child Sexual Exploitation; Corporal Punishment and Negligence.

Another key note speaker from CRG, Ms. Sushma Pawar explained the legislation relating to the Goa Childrens’ Act (2003) with special reference to zero rejection in school, health cards for all the children’s, internet safety etc. Other child related laws were also highlighted such as Child Labour (Prevention & Regulation Act 1986); Right to Education Act; Protection of Children from Sexual Offence Act; Juvenile Justice Act, etc.

The session was informative and interactive. The programme ended with refreshments and vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ellysen Dias Sapeco.

Legal Awareness on Child Rights - Vasco Free Legal Aid Cell

The Vasco Free Legal Aid Cell in association with Child line conducted a legal literacy programme on 29 January 2017, at the Santoshi Mata Temple at New Vadem, Vasco. The programme began at 16.30 hrs with the Inaugural address by the Deputy cell in – charge, Ms. Nikita Singh. The guest speakers, Ms. Suraya Borges and Ms. Suzanna De Souza were introduced to the crowd. As a gesture of appreciation a rose was presented to the dignitaries. Prof. Ms. Ashwini Naik, the faculty in – charge of the cell witnessed the programme. 

 

The programme began with an interactive session with the audience, where Ms. Suraya Borges asked the locals about their knowledge as to child rights. The next speaker for the day, Ms.  Suzanna de Souza spoke at length about the various child rights and its relevance in the modern world. She stated that as crimes against children may it be in the form of abuse or exploitation is increasing at an alarming rate in the State of Goa, the rights of children are at stake and demands protection. Further, she said that the tender age of children make them undergo great mental trauma and depression when offences are committed against them. Hence, she appealed to all to work together to bring awareness on this issue which is a major area of concern. Safety and security of children being one of the objective of child line, she also urged the audience to provide aid to the child in need of counselling by bring it to the notice of Child line. 

The guests were presented with mementos and refreshments served to the public present at the programme. The programme concluded at 18.00 hrs with a thanks note proposed by Ms. Uthara.

Valpoi Free Legal Aid Cell Organizes Talk on Child Rights

Valpoi Legal Aid cell members and faculty in charge, Prof. Aamod Shirali with the guest speakers and special invitees 

Valpoi Free Legal Aid Cell of V.M.Salgaocar College of Law in collaboration with 'Childline' organised an awareness program on the much needed topic of Child Rights, Child Abuse and Information on Childline 1098. The talk was held on 28th January 2017 in Massordem village, Valpoi – Goa. The Cell was ably guided by Prof. Aamod Shirali, Faculty in-charge of the cell.

An extensive two day campaign in the village was undertaken by the cell members, Mohd. Afaq Khan, Akshata Desai, Rajdeep Desai and Shamroz Khan. The members also procured necessary permission to use the temple premises from Mr. Suryakant Gawas (Head of the Village).

The keynote speakers for the programme were Co-ordinators of childline Suzan D'souza and Vinita Gadekar. Mr. Rajdeep Dessai, Member of the Cell welcomed the gathering and introduced the guest to the people Mohd. Afaq Khan, the Student in-charge of Valpoi Free Legal Aid Cell spoke about the Aims and Objectives of the Cell.

The coordinator of Childline, Ms Suzan D'souza spoke on the rights of the child, the government schemes available to children, and cautioned the parents to guard their children especially when they use internet. A National Award winning movie titled, Komal was shown. 

Ms. Vinita Gadekar gave details about the Childline organisation. She informed that if any person notices any child alone, in need of shelter, or when the child is abused or beaten etc, Childline is to be informed at the earliest. She requested the public to call immediately on the childline number 1098. 

The programme was attended in large numbers by the villagers from Massordem - Valpoi. Deputy incharge of the cell, Ms. Akshata Desai proposed the vote of thanks.

Porvorim (Sanjay School) Free Legal Aid Cell - Legal Awareness Program

Porvorim Free Legal Aid Cell (Sanjay School) of V.M.Salgaocar College of Law organised a talk on "Child Line Awareness" at Holy Family High School Porvorim Goa, on 28th January 2017. The key note speakers for the function were Ms. Suraya Borjes and Ms.Jessica Perreira (Members of Child Line Organisation Prof. Ranjana Ferrao, the faculty in-charge attended the program.

Ms.Jessica Perreira discussed about definition of 'child’ and about the rights of children . She interacted with the audience and tried to find out whether they were aware of 'child line'. They showed short films on awareness of child helpline and how children and parents have to be vigilant about their safety. In case any child happened to victim of child abuse, the measures to be taken were enumerated. She also had one to one question and answer session with the audience.

The teaching staff of Holy Family School and the children of 9th Std. attended the program. Also present for the function was Mrs Nalini Xavier, principal of Holy Family High School. Mr.Bernard Fernandez, Member of the Cell compered the function. Ms Danica d'souza proposed the vote of thanks. The program was very well received by the audience.

Margao Free Legal Aid Cell – Legal Literacy Campaign

The Margao Free Legal Aid Cell of V.M.Salgaoacar College of Law conducted their Legal Literacy Programme at Rotary Hall, Fatorda on 22nd January, 2017. The members of the cell collaborated with Child Line to conduct a programme on Child Rights, Child Abuse and Children & Cyber Law. Two speakers were present from Child Line Ms.Suraya and Ms. Padma. Faculty in charge Prof.Sonal Sardesai along with the president of Rotary club Margao Mr. TanmayMahajan attaended the program. 

The cell in charge, Mr.Bryan Barbosa Noronha, welcomed the gathering and gave a brief account of the objectives and functioning of the Margao Free Legal Aid Cell. The speakers started the talk by informing about the functions of Child Line and how it works. They discussed the various rights children. In order to help explain how children suffer from sexual abuse they showed a short animated clip to the audience and later asked questions on the same. The response from the crowd was very good; they questioned the speakers about the various aspects of their work. 

The student deputy in charge proposed vote of thanks.Around 45 people attended the programme. 

Moira LAC – Legal Awareness Program

Moira Free Legal Aid Cell of V.M.Salgaoacar College of Law conducted its Annual Legal Literacy Program in association with Child line on 21st January 2017 at Moira Panchayat Hall. 

Dr. Nagesh Colvalakar, the faculty in charge of the Cell was present for the same. The student members addressed the villagers and explained about the purpose of the legal aid cell and the various services it renders. 

Bastora Legal Aid Cell takes up Election Awareness Campaign

Free and fair election, being the backbone of democracy, it is important that the voters are appropriately informed of their right and the mode of exercise of their right to vote, especially in the event of the new electronic  voting machines that were to be used for the Assembly General Election which was scheduled in February 2017. In this backdrop, The Bastora Free Legal Aid Cell of V.M.Salgaocar College of Law thought it fit to take up this topic and create awareness to voters about the same and succeeded in organizing a Program on Election Awareness on 7^th January 2017.  

Mr. Amitesh Shirvoikar, Block Development Officer (Assistant Returning Officer, Aldona Constituency)  and Mr. Ranjeet R. Salgaonkar, Joint Mamlatdar –II, Bardez  (Assistant Returning Officer, Siolim Constituency) were the resource persons for the program. The faculty in charge of the Bastora Legal Aid Cell, Prof. Pearl Monteiro  and the Sarpanch of Bastora Village Panchayat attended the same.

Bastora Legal Aid Cell Members with Faculty in charge, Prof.Pearl Monteiro , Mr. Amitesh Shirvoikar, Block Development Officer and Mr. Ranjeet Salgaicar, Joint Mamlatdar II 

The speakers addressed the importance of exercising the mandate in an appropriate manner so as to bring in a good and free corrupt state.  Information on the new electronic polling machine which would be introduced in this election, was disseminated. A demonstration on How to use the Machine, with public participation was also held.

Demonstration on Use of EVM

The program was very interactive and the audience actively participated in the discussion and many queries were raised, all of which were answered by the resource persons. 

Mr. Nitesh Ambedkar, Cell Member  introduced and welcomed the guest.  Mr. Dattaprashad Shirodkar, the Student  in charge delivered the Vote of Thanks.