To protect children from offences such as sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography, Chhattisgarh Government has issued strict instructions to all the departments concerned for effective implementation of ‘The Protection of Children From Sexual Offences Act, 2012’ in State. informed in an official statement issued here on Saturday.
In the context, State Government’s Women and Child Development Department has issued circular to Finance Department, Home Department, Health and Family Welfare Department, law Department, Scheduled Caste Welfare Department, School Education Department, Police Headquarters Raipur and State Child Rights Protection Commission. Department Officials told that Chhattisgarh Government is wide-awake for the cause. Recently, a meeting of senior officials of the departments concerned was organised for the effective implementation of the Act.
Notably after series of sexual abuse cases of children reported in Chhattisgarh, the Government had to face criticism from almost all sections of society. Cases of Amadula and Jhaliyamari village at Kanker district in which one of the victims allegedly died had fueled the issue and attracted media attention. consistent pressure made the Government to device effective ways in order to deter the said menace.
Officials told that ‘The Protection of Children From Sexual Offences Act, 2012’ is applicable across the country. Procedure for media in such cases has been stipulated under Section 23 of this Act. Section 23 (1) of this Act states that no person should make any report or present comments on any child through any form of media or studio or photographic facilities, without having complete and authentic information, which may lower his reputation or infringe upon his privacy. Further in Section-23 (2) of this Act, it has been stipulated that no reports in any media should disclose the identity of a child, including his name, address, photograph, family details, school, neighbourhood, or any other particulars which may lead to the disclosure of identity of the child.
Provided that for reasons to be recorded in writing, the Special court competent to try such case under the act, may permit such disclosure, if in its opinion such disclosure is in the interest Section-23 (3) of this Act states that the publisher or owner of the media or studio or photographic facilities shall be jointly responsible for the acts and omissions of his employee. Union Ministry of law and Justice have published this Act in the gazette of India on June 20, 2012.
For further details in the context, contact Director and senior officials of Naya Raipur based Directorate of Women and Child Development on telephone number- 0771-2234192. District Officials of Women and Child Development Department can also be contacted for detailed information about the aforementioned Act. Details in the context can also be availed from the office of Chhattisgarh State Commission For Protection of Child Rights at Shankar Nagar Sector-1 in capital city Raipur. Its officials are available on telephone numbers 0771-2420094, 0771-2420095 and toll-free number 1800-233-0055.