Juvenile Act to be amended
In view of several reports about the pathetic condition of juveniles in remand homes and repeated instances of delinquents fleeing from such asylums, the Centre has decided to amend the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act to make it more humane and child friendly.
Children under the age of 18 years booked for various crimes under the juvenile justice system will now be treated with more sensitivity. The proposed amendments state that any child found to be suffering from a debilitating disease like tuberculosis or sexually transmitted diseases will be offered mandatory medical help.
Sources stated that the proposed amendments will also redefine mental disorders to psychiatric problems and offer such children medical help instead of dumping them in a mental asylum. “The amendments also aim for the registration of all non governmental organisations dealing with such children,” sources added.
Official sources stated that a proposal submitted by the Union women and child development ministry to amend the act has been cleared by the law and justice ministry. “The proposal will now be put before the Cabinet for its approval. After seeking the approval of the Cabinet the government plans to table it in Parliament during its forthcoming Monsoon Session,” sources added.
Sources stated that the proposed amendments to the act provide for a broad framework for protection, treatment and rehabilitation of children in the purview of the juvenile justice system. The amendments also proposes to make it more stringent and effective. “The main idea behind amending the laws is to make them more effective in protecting the interests of children,” a source added.
The latest changes have been proposed after a comprehensive discussion with all stakeholders. The proposed changes are likely to affect thousands of children as according to government estimates over 5,000 cases are pending against juveniles in various courts.
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