Question : Construction of Observation and Special Homes

(a) the number of observation and special homes presently functioning for juvenile offenders in the country along with the number of juveniles therein, State/UT-wise;
(b) the details of schemes being implemented for their rehabilitation and the funds allocated/released and utilised thereunder during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise;
(c) whether the Government has taken note of non-availability of sufficient homes in some States, leading to housing of juveniles in other districts and increased expenses and travel difficulties in their transit during court trial, if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;
(d) whether the Government has received proposals from States/UTs and NGOs for construction of more such homes, if so, the details thereof along with the action taken thereon and funds provided for the purpose during the said period, State/UT-wise; and
(e) whether the Government proposes to separately house juveniles who have crossed 18 years of age during the period of trial and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(SHRIMATI MANEKA SANJAY GANDHI)

(a): The number of Observation Homes and Special Homes functioning for children in conflict with law and being supported under the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) along with the number of children therein, State/UT-wise is at Annexure-I.

(b): The Ministry of Women and Child Development is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, namely, Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) under which financial assistance is provided to State Governments/UT Administrations for setting up and maintenance of various types of Homes, including Special Homes and Observation Homes for rehabilitation of children in conflict with law. These Homes provide education and vocational training to inmates of such Homes so that they can ultimately reintegrate into the mainstream society. The details of funds released and utilized by the State Governments/UT Administrations under ICPS including funds for Special Homes and Observation Homes during each of the last three years and the current year is at Annexure-II.
(c) & (d): The setting up of Homes including Special Homes and Observation Homes is decided by the inter-ministerial Project Approval Board (PAB) constituted under ICPS to consider and approve the financial proposals received from the State Governments/UT Administrations, on the basis of need assessment carried out and requirement projected in the respective proposals. The PAB also deliberates on issues related to infrastructure and basic facilities during their interaction with States/UTs. The details of funds provided by the Government to the State Governments/UT Administrations for construction of Observation Homes and Special Homes during the last three years under ICPS is at Annexure-III. So far no grant has been released for construction of Observation and Special Home during current financial year 2016-17.
(e): Under the provisions of Section 49 (1) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 the State Government shall set up at least one place of safety so as to place a person above the age of 18 years who is apprehended for committing an offence when he was below the age of 18 years or a child in conflict with law, who is between the age of 16 to 18 years and is accused of or convicted for committing a heinous offence.
*******