All section Close
Credits: HindustanTimes
Cabinet Approves Amendments To Juvenile Justice Act, Authorises District Magistrates To Approve Adoption Orders
Writer: Devyani Madaik
A media enthusiast, Devyani believes in learning on the job and there is nothing off limits when it comes to work. Writing is her passion and she is always ready for a debate as well.
India, 18 Feb 2021 2:15 PM GMT
Editor : Shubhendu Deshmukh |
Shubhendu, the quint essential news junky, the man who loves science and politics in equal measure and offers the complete contrast to it by being a fan of urdu poetry as well.
Creatives : Abhishek M
" An engineer by profession, Abhishek is the creative producer of the team, graphic designing is his passion and travelling his get away. In more ways than one, he makes the content visually appealing."
The amendments stated that crimes committed by children, for which the minimum sentence is less than seven years, will now be categorised as 'serious' instead of 'heinous' offences.
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday, February 17, approved the proposal for bringing amendments to the Juvenile Justice Care and Child Protection Act, 2015. The amendments will empower the District Magistrate (DM) and Additional District Magistrate (ADM) under Section 61 of the Act to issue adoption orders.
The DMs, ADMs will monitor the functioning of agencies responsible for implementing the Act in every district. The DMs will also be able to independently analyse and evaluate the Child Welfare Committee, Specialised Juvenile Police Unit.
Addressing a press conference, Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Zubin Irani said that the proposal was approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
It is also said that the district child protection units will be under the jurisdiction of the District Magistrates. Besides, the child care institutes will be approved for registration after the background checks by the magistrates.
The amendments stated that crimes committed by children, for which the minimum sentence is less than seven years, will now be categorised as 'serious' instead of 'heinous' offences. Presently, the Act has three categories of petty, serious and heinous crimes.
The expansion of the definition of 'Child In Need Of Care and Protection' (CNCP) is also proposed. The CNCP will also include survivors of trafficking, drug abuse, abandonment by guardians and those rescued from child labour.
Other amendments include classifying eligibility parameters for Child Welfare Committee (CWC) members' appointment and categorising previously undefined offences under 'serious offence'.
A data relating to information on children restored with their families, runaway children, or a number of fatalities will be collected and shared by the district magistrate, Irani added.
Also Read: Disha Ravi Toolkit Case: Delhi HC Issues Notice To News Channels For Leaking FIR Information
Must Reads
We are an independent and public-spirited digital media platform for Indian millennials. We report news and issues that matter as well as give you the opportunity to take action.
