Women and Child Development Ministry invites suggestions / comments on proposed Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill, 2014

The Women and Child Development Ministry has decided to repeal and re-enact the JJ Act, 2000. A draft of the proposed Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill, 2014 incorporating the suggestions already received during previous consultation process has been prepared.  The Ministry has uploaded a copy of the draft bill on the website wcd.nic.in for suggestions/comments from the civil society organisations, non government organisations and individuals.

Over the last few years, concerns regarding protection of children and implementation issues related to the legislation have arisen, which need to be addressed as a priority through strengthening of existing provisions and introduction of new clauses in the Act. The Women and Child Development Ministry had discussions with States / UTs and Civil Society Organisations and the following issues came up: 

1. Increase in reported incidents of abuse of children in institutions, family and communities.

2. Inadequate facilities, quality of care and rehabilitation measures in Homes.

3.  Delays in various processes under the Act, such as decision by the Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) And Juvenile Justice Boards leading to high pendency of cases.

4.  Delay in adoption process.

5.  Inadequate provision to deal with offences against children.

6.  Provisions related to juveniles in conflict with law, in the age group of 16 to 18 years, etc

The individuals and organisations are encouraged to review the provisions of the proposed bill and send their comments to the Ministry to vivek.joshi@nic.in with a copy to  ashi.kapoor@ nic.in , jyotimathur@yahoo.co.in within 15 days i.e. latest by 03. 07. 2014 till 6:00 pm.