Question : Observation and Special Homes for Juveniles

(a) whether the Government has considered providing funds to the States/UTs, particularly Odisha for constructing Observation Homes and Special Homes in each district for juveniles;

(b) if so, the details thereof indicating the funds allocated/released and utilised for the said purpose during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise, particularly Odisha;

(c) whether the Government is aware of the insufficient number of Observation Homes and Special Homes in States/UTs, particularly Odisha; and

(d) if so, the remedial steps taken by the Government to address this issue?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(DR. VIRENDRA KUMAR)

(a) to (d): The Government of India has enacted the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, (JJ Act), which has come into effect from 15th January, 2016, repealing the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000. The primary responsibility of execution of JJ Act lies with State/UTs. The Act provides for establishment and maintenance of observation Homes and Special Homes, by State/UTs, in every district or group of districts, either by itself or through voluntary or Non-Governmental Organization for temporary reception of children alleged to be in conflict with law or rehabilitation of children found to have committed offence, respectively. However, the Ministry is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme namely, Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) under which financial assistance is provided to the State Governments/UT Administrations, on sharing pattern, for execution of the Act, which includes for setting up and maintenance of various types of Homes including Homes for children in conflict with law. The funding of proposed new Homes, either on rent basis or construction basis, is decided in the inter-ministerial Project Approval Board (PAB) constituted under the Scheme to consider and approve the financial proposals received from the State Governments/UT Administrations. The details of funds released and utilized by the State Governments/UTs including Odisha under ICPS including funds for observation Homes/Special Homes during each of the last three years and the current year, State/Union Territory-wise is Annexed.

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