Overview The Shivamogga district judiciary and administration have jointly launched 1,234 legal literacy clubs across schools in Shivamogga on January 22, 2026 . This initiative aims to spread awareness about rights, duties, and laws among students, targeting select government, aided, and private schools, as well as pre-university colleges across the district. The program is designed to empower students with legal knowledge and promote a more informed society. Key Objectives and Implementation Objective: To spread legal awareness among children and, through them, to the wider society. Inauguration: The clubs were inaugurated by Abhay Dhanapal Chougala , the District and Sessions Judge (in-charge) of Shivamogga. Reach: The initiative covers various types of educational institutions, ensuring broad accessibility. Statements from Key Officials Abhay Dhanapal Chougala emphasized that ignorance of the law is no excuse and that the clubs aim to reach the public through children, who will understand the significance of laws and spread awareness. He recalled his previous initiative in Vijayapura, where similar clubs successfully stopped a child marriage. Deputy Commissioner Prabhulinga Kavalikatti stated that students would learn about the Indian Constitution, fundamental rights and duties, and laws that help them lead a meaningful life. He also appealed to students to follow road safety norms. Shivamogga Zilla Panchayat CEO N. Hemanth noted the reduction in child marriages and POCSO cases due to consistent awareness efforts, with children intervening to stop child marriages by alerting authorities. Santhosh M.S. , member secretary of the DLSA in Shivamogga, highlighted that creating awareness about laws related to child marriage, child labor, and road safety is a key objective, relying on the cooperation of teachers for the clubs' success. Impact and Focus Areas Child Marriage: Addressing and preventing child marriages through awareness and intervention. Child Labor: Educating students about the laws prohibiting child labor. Road Safety: Promoting awareness of road safety norms to reduce accidents. Constitution and Fundamental Rights: Teaching students about their rights and duties as citizens. UPSC Relevance This initiative is relevant to the UPSC syllabus under GS2: Governance, Social Justice, and Indian Constitution . It highlights the importance of legal literacy in empowering citizens, especially vulnerable sections of society. The program's focus on child marriage, child labor, and fundamental rights aligns with key areas of concern for the UPSC exam. Important Facts Launch Date: January 22, 2026 Number of Clubs: 1,234 District: Shivamogga Key Focus: Rights, duties, and laws Implementing Body: Shivamogga district judiciary and administration