REPORT
LEGAL AWARENESS PROGRAM ON THE OCCASION OF WORLD DAY
AGAINST CHILD LABOUR
On 12th June, 2025, the District Legal Services Authority, Namchi (DLSA), in
collaboration with the Taluk Legal Services Committees (TLSC) of Namchi, Jorethang, and
Yangang, organized a legal awareness program on the occasion of World Day against Child
Labour. This event was coordinated with the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority
(SSLSA), Gangtok. The program was held at Mayallyang Children Home, Singithang,
Namchi District.
The program was held in the presence of Mr. Jagat Bahadur Rai, Ld. District and
Sessions Judge-cum-Chairperson, District Legal Services Authority, Namchi, and Mr.
Sayshay Hang Subba (Limboo), Ld. Civil Judge-cum-Judicial Magistrate, Yangang who is
also the Secretary(i/C), District Legal Services Authority, Namchi. The Resource Person for
the event was Mr. Sujan Mangar, Inspector of Labour Department, Namchi. In attendance
were the children and caretakers of Mayal Lyang Children Home (CCI), staffs of the DLSA
and TLSC, Namchi and Staff of the Office of the LADCS, Namchi.
The program commenced with an opening speech by Mr. Amrit Sharma, Ld.
Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel, Namchi. He formally introduced all the dignitaries
and resource persons present at the event. He also provided an overview of the program
structure, ensuring that all attendees were informed of the proceedings that would follow.
Mr. Sayshay Hang Subba (Limboo), Ld. Civil Judge-cum-Judicial Magistrate and
Secretary of District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Namchi, commenced his address by
warmly welcoming all the attendees and resource person present at the event. He provided a
comprehensive overview of the Legal Services Authorities Act and elaborated on the
structure of Legal Services Institutions at the National, State and District level. The Ld.
Secretary further explained the distinction in handling cases involving juveniles as opposed
to adults, stating that such cases are referred to as juvenile inquiries and the individuals
involved are referred to as children in conflict with law rather than an accused person. He
further addressed that the judgment passed by the Juvenile Justice Board is reformative in
nature, aimed at rehabilitation rather than punishment. The Ld. Secretary concluded by
briefly speaking on the process to avail free legal aid and the various criteria for availing
free legal aid.
Resource Person Mr. Sujan Mangar, Inspector of the Labour Department, Namchi,
addressed the gathering by emphasizing the importance of knowledge and awareness
regarding child labour, children’s rights, and the legal protections in place to safeguard
them. He elaborated on the fundamental reasons for observing the World Day Against Child
Labour, highlighting its role in eliminating all forms of child labour. He stressed that
protecting children from exploitation is not only a moral and legal obligation but also a vital
step toward ensuring a safer and more prosperous future for the state. Mr. Mangar further
noted that collective efforts of government, civil society, educational institutions, and the
general public are essential to uphold these rights and create a child-friendly environment.
Furthermore, Mr. Rai also shared his insights, reinforcing the need for continued community
engagement to prevent child labour practices at the grassroots level.
Mr. Jagat Bahadur Rai, Ld. District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairperson, District
Legal Services Authority, delivered an insightful address on the underlying purpose of
organizing such legal awareness programs, stating that these initiatives aim to spread legal
awareness and familiarize the public particularly the youth with the functioning of the
judicial system. The Ld. Chairperson emphasized that the observance of World Day against
Child Labour plays a crucial role in raising awareness about child rights and ensuring that
both children and adults are equipped with the knowledge to protect and prevent the
exploitation of children. Additionally, the Ld. Chairperson also elaborated on how Lok
Adalat, a unique alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism, plays a significant role in
resolving both civil and compoundable criminal matters. He also highlighted the numerous
advantages of settling disputes in Lok Adalat, such as the speedy disposal of cases, the
amicable nature of settlements, and the fact that proceedings are free of cost. Lastly, he
emphasized that the decisions made in Lok Adalat are final and binding on both parties.
Before proposing the vote of thanks, Mr. Amrit Sharma, Assistant Legal Aid Defense
Counsel, Namchi, encouraged all participants to share the valuable information
disseminated during the session with their neighbors, family members, and relatives.
The main program was followed by discussion and interaction.
Overall program was conducted by Mr. Amrit Sharma, Ld. Assistant Legal Aid
Defense Counsel, Namchi. There was a total of 40 participants.
Photographs are enclosed as Annexure – A.
Sayshay Hang Subba (Limboo)
Secretary (i/C),
District Legal Services Authority,
Namchi District, Sikkim.
