Violation of Rights of Women and Children

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has reported 2404, 3281, 3340 and 2270 cases of violation of child rights in 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 (till 30.06.2015) respectively. The National Commission for Women has registered 16584, 22422, 32118 and 9786 cases of violation of rights of women in 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 (till date) respectively. 

The reasons for violation of child rights include violations under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 and violation under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. Child rights violations are also related to displacement, violence, trafficking, etc. The actions taken by National Commission for Protection of Child Rights include conduct of summon hearings and giving directions to concerned officials, giving recommendations to State Governments, etc. The Government has also enacted several laws such as the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, the Prohibition of Child marriage Act, 2006 and is implementing schemes for the protection of children such as the Integrated Child Protection Scheme, etc. 

The reasons for violation of women rights include: domestic violence, outraging the modesty of women, dowry harassment, property dispute, rape, etc. Action taken by the National Commission for Women includes forwarding the complaints: to the opposite party for their written submission by issuing letters/ notices; to the concerned authorities seeking action taken reports; and to other concerned authorities/other Commissions/State Women Commissions and if required, constituting Inquiry Committees under section 8 of the National Commission for Women Act, 1990. Other actions taken by the Government include enforcement and implementation of laws and programme for the protection of women such as Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, Sexual Harassment at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal)Act, 2013, One Stop Centres, Women Helpline, etc. 

The other steps taken/being taken by the Government to protect/restore rights of women and children include: National Policy for Children, 2013, Guidelines Governing Adoption, 2015; the Integrated Child Development Services; Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme; Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls; Indira Gandhi Maitritva Sahyog Yojana; organizing of Special Mahila Gram Sabhas, Nari Chaupals, Beti Janmahotsava, etc. 

This information was given by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi in reply to a starred question in the Lok Sabha today.