(a) whether the Government has taken note of children being subjected to sexual assault in various parts of the
country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has finalized the draft Bill on Protection of Children from Sexual Offences;
(d) if so, the details and the salient features thereof; and
(e) the time by which the said Bill is likely to be introduced?
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)
(a) to (e) : The statement is laid on the table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 243 FOR 26.11.2010 REGARDING NATIONAL COMMISSIONS
FOR PROTECTION OF CHILD RIGHTS BY SHRIMATI CHANDRESH KUMARI
(a) & (b) : Yes, Madam. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data shows that cases of sexual offences against
children have been on the rise. From 2265 cases in 2001, the number has increased to 5749 in 2008. A Study on Child
Abuse: INDIA 2007, conducted in thirteen States, by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) has also
revealed that out of 12,447 children interviewed, more than fifty-three percent reported had faced one or more forms
of sexual abuse. Not only that, fifty percent abusers were persons known to the child or in a position of trust and
responsibility.
(c) & (e) The Government proposes to bring a new law to protect children against sexual offences of various types.
The draft Bill which has been prepared, regards the best interests and well being of the child as of paramount
importance at every stage of the judicial process. It incorporates child friendly procedures for reporting, recording,
investigating and trial of offences. The Bill aims to protect the child’s right to privacy and confidentiality; provides
for designation of Special Courts for trial of offences and stringent punishment to provide adequate deterrence, while at
the same time ensuring adequate penalty commensurate to the gravity of each offence.
The draft Bill is at the stage of inter ministerial consultation and will be introduced after these are completed and
after seeking the approval of the competent authority.