(a) whether the Government proposes to enact a legislation protection
of children from sexual offences legislation;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government to tackle
this problem in the absence of proper legislation?
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)
(a) to (c): Yes Madam. The Government proposes to enact a speciallaw
for protection of children from sexual offences.
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Bill, 2011
was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on 23rd March, 2011.
For the first time, a special law has been proposed to address
the issue of sexual offences against children. The Bill defines offences,
namely, penetrative sexual assault, aggravated penetrative sexual assault,
sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, sexual harassment and use of child
for pornography. For speedy trial, the State Governments have been mandated
to designate a Court of Session in each district, to be a Special Court to try
offences under the Bill. It is expected that enactment of this Bill will
contribute to the safety and security of children and the stringent punishment
proposed under the Bill will act as a deterrent for offenders.