The Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) and Department of Women and Child Development (WCD) of the Delhi government jointly organised a two-day refresher course and training programme with focus on ‘Protection of Children from Sexual Offences’ (POCSO) Act 2012 and of dozens of judgments pronounced by the Supreme Court and HC on the issues clarifying the gaps in the law
The training programme was organised for the newly appointed members of Child Welfare Committees (CWC), Juvenile Justice Boards (JJB) and District Child Protection Officers (DCPO).
Justice Rajiv Shakdher, a sitting Judge and Chairperson, JJC was chief guest of the event. In his address during the closing ceremony emphasised on the importance of the strength of character of every individual to truly deliver the mandate of their role and ensure that the best interest of children is upheld.
Narrating several instances of violation of the rights of children, especially in cases of substance abuse, he suggested that effective solutions to curb the problem of school-drops due to children taking falling prey to substance abuse can be devised through community-interaction.
Retired High Court Judge Justice RK Gauba, in his keynote address, articulated the etymology and history of the laws and jurisprudence associated with the children’s laws, their evolution and highlighted several aspects governing and being debated in the discourse.
The importance of convergence across stakeholders and linkages with different government schemes and, as highlighted during the inaugural ceremony of the training in February was reiterated throughout the training session.
Anurag Kundu, Chairperson of DCPCR articulated the need, design and background of the training programme. Dr Rashmi Singh, Director of DWCD emphasised the role of the CWCs/JJBs/DCPOs and assured unconditional support of the department.