Tag: Legal Awareness

EduConnect

POCSO Act Awareness Programme Held at Madkaikar Higher Secondary School, Corlim

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Corlim, January 19, 2026: The Old Goa Free Legal Aid Cell of V. M. Salgaocar College successfully conducted an informative awareness programme on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act at Madkaikar Higher Secondary School of Arts and Science, Corlim, Goa. The session commenced at 11:15 am and witnessed active participation from students and staff.



The programme featured insightful sessions by PSI Harshal Raikar and Advocate Aloysia Andrade, who explained the legal framework of the POCSO Act, its objectives and significance in protecting children from sexual offences. The speakers highlighted the role of law enforcement, legal authorities and society at large in ensuring the safety, dignity and rights of children.

Key aspects discussed during the session included legal procedures under the POCSO Act, responsibilities of citizens, reporting mechanisms, and preventive measures to safeguard children against abuse. The speakers emphasised early awareness, responsible behaviour and timely legal intervention as essential tools in child protection.

The programme was well received by students and faculty members, with interactive discussions enabling participants to ask questions and gain clarity on legal remedies and support systems available for victims.

The awareness initiative successfully achieved its objective of promoting legal literacy, child safety awareness and justice, contributing towards building a safer and more informed environment for children.

EduConnect

Legal Aid Cells Conduct Drug Abuse Prevention Awareness Programme at Don Bosco College, Panjim

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral

Panjim; January 2026: The Mala Legal Aid Cell of V.M. Salgaocar College of Law, in association with the North Goa District Legal Services Authority, conducted a drug abuse prevention awareness programme at Don Bosco College, Panjim, aimed at sensitising students to the harmful effects of substance abuse and the importance of preventive legal awareness.


The session was led by Sahil Warang, Police Sub-Inspector, Anjuna Police Station, who addressed students on the dangers of drug abuse and its long-term impact on physical health, mental well-being and social life. He also highlighted the legal consequences associated with substance abuse and trafficking, urging students to make informed and responsible choices.
The programme was graced by Irshad Agha, Principal District and Sessions Judge, and Narayan Surendra Amonkar, Retired Judge and presently Chief of the Legal Aid Defence Council, District Legal Services Authority, underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to preventive legal education and youth awareness on social issues.
The awareness programme concluded with the screening of a short film on drug abuse, created and presented by students of V.M. Salgaocar College of Law (Mala Legal Aid Cell). Directed by Klasha De Souza and Salma Shaikh, the film delivered a strong and impactful message on the consequences of substance abuse, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
The initiative highlighted the role of educational institutions, legal aid bodies and law enforcement agencies in jointly addressing social challenges through awareness and education.

Social

Drug Awareness Programme Held at Goa Dental College, Bambolim

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

A drug awareness programme was conducted on 10 January 2025 at Goa Dental College, Bambolim, as part of the 30 Days Awareness Campaign coordinated by the District Legal Services Authority, North Goa, in association with the North Goa District Police. The programme was held between 11.15 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. with the aim of sensitising students to the growing menace of drug abuse and its far-reaching consequences.

Organised on the theme “Drug Abuse – Drug: A Menace to Society,” the session focused on creating awareness about the legal, social, and health-related implications of substance abuse. The programme brought together legal experts, law enforcement officials, and medical professionals to provide a comprehensive perspective on the issue. The dignitaries and guests were formally welcomed with potted plants as a gesture of goodwill and environmental consciousness.

Ms. Shantashri S. Sinai Kudchadkar, Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, North Goa, addressed the gathering and emphasised the importance of legal awareness as a preventive tool in combating drug abuse. She highlighted how informed citizens, especially youth, can play a crucial role in building a safer and healthier society.

PSI Sahil Warang from the North Goa District Police delivered an in-depth session on the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, explaining its key provisions, enforcement mechanisms, and real-life case studies. His talk helped students understand the seriousness of drug-related offences and the legal consequences associated with them.

Dr. Gaurav spoke on the health aspects of drug abuse, shedding light on its impact on physical and mental well-being, addiction patterns, and the importance of prevention, early intervention, and seeking help. His session underlined the long-term risks of substance abuse and the value of making informed, healthy choices.

The programme was attended by around 50 participants, including approximately 40 dental students, along with faculty members and staff of Goa Dental College. The interactive session encouraged questions, discussions, and meaningful engagement from the students.

Overall, the programme successfully reinforced the collaborative efforts of the District Legal Services Authority, North Goa, and the North Goa District Police in spreading awareness and promoting the message of a drug-free society among the youth.

Science

Forensic Workshop Held in Porvorim by Goa Legal Services

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa State Legal Services Authority, functioning under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), in collaboration with the Goa High Court Bar Association, recently organized a series of workshops focused on forensic evidence at Porvorim.

The workshop series was aimed at strengthening the understanding of forensic science among members of the legal community, with a particular focus on its application in narcotics-related cases under the NDPS Act.

Dr. Andre Fernandes, Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine, led a key session on the types of narcotics commonly encountered in forensic and legal investigations, along with the methods employed for their detection and classification. His insights helped participants understand how such substances are identified and categorized within the framework of the law.

Smt. Shraddha Malvankar, a Scientific Officer holding a Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry, delivered an in-depth presentation on the scientific analysis of narcotics. Her session covered the critical processes involved in laboratory testing and the role of forensic experts in generating evidence that stands up to legal scrutiny, especially in cases prosecuted under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act.

The workshops brought together legal professionals, forensic experts, and law enforcement officers, emphasizing the growing need for interdisciplinary understanding in handling complex narcotics cases. By providing scientific clarity on forensic protocols and analysis, the event contributed meaningfully to the legal community’s capacity to deal with drug-related offenses in a legally sound and scientifically accurate manner.

This initiative reflects the Goa State Legal Services Authority’s commitment to enhancing legal knowledge and supporting access to justice through well-informed practices. It also underlines the importance of continuous education and collaboration between the fields of law and science.

Events in Goa

Bicholim Taluka Legal Services Committee Observes World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

allycaralgoa

Bicholim | Goa | July 30, 2025 — To mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Bicholim Taluka Legal Services Committee organized a Legal Awareness Programme at the Library Hall, Sarvan, Bicholim. The event focused on spreading awareness about the menace of human trafficking and the importance of legal measures to combat it.

The session was graced by the presence of:

  • Hon’ble Judge Ms. Anusha G. Madkaikar, Civil Judge Junior Division and JMFC, Bicholim
  • Advocate D.G. Pal, Legal Services Panel Advocate
  • Shri Jayprakash Jankar, PSI, Bicholim Police Station
  • Advocate Divya Sawant

The dignitaries addressed the gathering, highlighting the legal remedies available for victims, the role of the judiciary and police, and the importance of community participation in eradicating trafficking.

Interactive discussions and real-life case references made the session informative and engaging for the attendees.

Such initiatives underscore the importance of legal literacy and community awareness in fighting crimes against vulnerable populations.