a) whether there has been a substantial spurt in cases of abuse/violence/sexual abuse against children across the country;
b) if so, the State-wise details thereof during the last three years and the action taken thereon; and
c) the corrective steps taken thereon?
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 LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO._*190 FOR 29.07.2016 REGARDING VIOLENCE/SEXUAL ABUSE AGAINST CHILDREN BY SHRI PROF. CHINTAMANI MALVIYA, SHRI B. VINOD KUMAR
(a) As reported by National Crime Record Bureau ( NCRB) there is an increase of 53.6% in cases registered under crimes against children (including sexual abuse against children) (from 58,224 cases in 2013 to 89,423 cases in 2014) was reported during the year 2014 over the year 2013.
(b) Cases of crimes head wise registered, cases charge sheeted, cases convicted, persons arrested, persons charge sheeted and persons convicted under crime against children during the year 2012-2014 and State/UT wise details of cases registered, cases charge sheeted, cases convicted, persons arrested, persons charge sheeted and persons convicted under crime against children during the year 2012-2014 are enclosed at Annexure-I & II respectively. The latest annual data of NCRB pertains to the year 2014.
Action is taken by the authorities concerned under different laws/Acts relating to the children viz. Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act., Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children ) Act 2016, Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. 2006, Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act., 1986 etc.
(c) Corrective steps are taken by implementing existing laws, policy and programs for protection of children. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012 is a special law to protect Children from sexual abuse and exploitation, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, is the primary law for children in need of care and protection and in conflict with law. In order to implement the Juvenile Justice Act, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, namely Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) is being implemented with aim to create a safety net of dedicated structures, services and personnel for protection of children in need of care and protection. The objective is to contribute to improvement in the wellbeing of the children in difficult circumstances as well as reduction of vulnerabilities to situations and actions that lead to abuse
exploitation, abandonment and separation of children from their families etc. There is 24-hour toll free helpline 1098 for children in distress and their families. Further to create awareness various conferences ,consultations were held and training programs were conducted from time to time .
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