Youngistaan Foundation interns ran an Active Citizenship session with school students to inform young people of the laws and rights that every citizen should know.
The session began by asking the following questions:
- What do you think is Active Citizenship?
- Did you come across this term before?
- Can you name any activity/heading/law/rights that relate to the term Active Citizenship?
- Do you think Active Citizenship is important?
- If we are not active citizens, what do you think will happen?
The interns from Jindal Law College along with other experts spoke to the young people on the following topics that students were eager to learn about and have a conversation on:
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
- Right to equality
- Right to freedom
- Right to religion
- Right against exploitation
- Cultural and educational rights
- Right to constitutional remedies
CHILD RIGHTS
- Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006
- The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986
- Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act, 2012
- Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
- Bullying
KEY ELECTORAL RIGHTS
Four reasons to vote:
- Elections have consequences
- Not voting is giving up your voice
- Voting is an opportunity for change
- The community depends on you
WOMEN’S SAFETY RIGHTS
- Domestic violence rights
- Workplace harassment laws
- Assault against women
- Laws on capturing private moments
- Stalking laws
- Other important areas to know
LAW AND ORDER REGULATIONS
- Police cannot refuse to lodge an FIR
- Phone recordings can be used as evidence
- Arrests of women should be made before sunset
- The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019
EDUCATION SCHEMES IN TELANGANA
- Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan
- Pre-matric & Post-matric scholarship
- Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge (TASK)
ANIMAL RIGHTS
- The Prevention of Animal Cruelty Act (1960)
- Interference with feeding stray animals (according to the Constitution and the IPC)
ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS
- Right to a clean and healthy environment (Indian Constitution)
- Haritha Haraam program
WATCH A RECAP OF THE SESSION
For a 4-minute recap of the Active Citizenship session, watch the video below!
This Active Citizenship session was interactive and rather than take on the form of a classroom lecture, passed the microphone to the students to ask their questions, offer their suggestions and make their voices heard.
Youngistaan Foundation will continue to hold Active Citizenship sessions with school and colleges across the country and if YOU would be interested in holding a similar session in your school, college, workplace or community, contact Youngistaan Foundation to raise active young citizens!
