(a) whether the Union Government has issued instructions to the Government of Uttar Pradesh under the provisions of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act to take action against the police personnel involved in cases of child abuse during the last four years;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the other steps being taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(SHRIMATI MANEKA SANJAY GANDHI)
(a) to (c): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
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Statement referred to in reply to part (a) to (c) of the Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 246 for answer on 28.12.2018 raised by Shri Mansukhbhai Dhanjibhai Vasava regarding “Juvenile Justice Act”.
(a) to (c): No specific instructions have been issued by the Ministry as such. However, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) (JJ) Act 2015 implemented by the Ministry is the primary law to protect the interest of children in need of care and protection and in conflict with law. Besides, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 stipulates the specific role of Police in such case and prescribes punishment for failure in taking mandated action. The primary responsibility for execution of the JJ Act, 2015 and POCSO Act, 2012 lies with the State Governments. National Commission for Protection of Child Right (NCPCR) and State Commission for Protection of Child Right (SCPCRs) established under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005, have been mandated with the task of monitoring the effective implementation of POCSO Act, 2012 and JJ Act, 2015. The Ministry is also implementing “Child Protection Services Scheme” in partnership with States/UTs. Alongwith providing for institutional and non-institutional services for vulnerable children, the scheme provides for a 24-hour toll free helpline 1098 for children in distress and their families. The Ministry has been continuously stressing upon the need for mandatory monitoring as prescribed under the JJ Act, 2015. The Ministry had requested all the States/UTs to appoint a nodal Police officer of senior rank to coordinate and supervise action taken in the matter pertaining to women and children in the State. The States/UTs have nominated suitable officers accordingly.
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