National Commission for Protection of Child Rights convenes National Consultation on Dissemination and Awareness of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, and the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986

Ministry of Women and Child Development National Commission for Protection of Child Rights convenes National Consultation on Dissemination and Awareness of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, and the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 Posted On: 14 MAY 2025 8:05PM by PIB Delhi The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), held an online National Consultation on Dissemination and Awareness of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 and the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) CAL (P&R) Act, 1986, today. Around 300 participants from various Central and State Ministries, State Police Departments, SCPCRs, NGOs participated in the aforementioned event. Chairperson, NCPCR Ms. Tripti Gurha while delivering key note address, emphasized that structured awareness should be promoted for effective implementation of POCSO Act, 2012 & CAL (P&R) Act, 1986. She also highlighted various initiatives of commission in these areas. She sought collaboration and cooperation of every stakeholder to achieve the objectives of protection of child rights in true spirit. Ms. Preeti Bharadwaj Dalal, Member (LRC), NCPCR drawing on her experience related to spreading on awareness about POCSO Act, mentioned that the challenges in implementation of POCSO Act can be effectively tackled through proactive approach, personal intervention of the authorities & effective dissemination of the Act. She also mentioned that the Benches and Camps organized by NCPCR in Aspirational Districts yielded good results in reaching out to marginalized communities. Dr. Divya Gupta, Member (Child Health, Care, Welfare) NCPCR, while speaking on CAL (P&R) Act said that the awareness and dissemination of information also play major role in facilitating the implementation of the Act. We need to take gender neutral view by implementing the Acts, she said. Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, Member Secretary NCPCR, highlighted sheer cruciality of protection of child rights. He also mentioned that while meaningful progress has been made in this area however, significant ground is still to be covered. He also underscored the importance of awareness and education of all stakeholders. The consultation underscored the pressing need for coordinated inter-ministerial action to ensure the effective implementation of the POCSO Act, 2012, and the CAL (P&R) Act, 1986. Emphasis was laid on the establishment of Fast Track Courts across all States & UTs. Further, the importance of standardizing the format of Medico-Legal Reports (MLRs) nationwide in POCSO cases to ensure uniformity and consistency in medico-legal documentation and evidentiary procedures was highlighted. The integration of the NCPCR’s Child Safety Manual and key provisions of the POCSO Act into the school curriculum was also stressed, along with the need for regular capacity-building programmes for teachers and the strengthening of School Management Committees (SMCs). Furthermore, the need for accessible legal aid for child victims and the timely disbursement of compensation in accordance with statutory provisions was reiterated. In the context of child labour cases, the consultation highlighted the necessity of enhancing the mechanisms for timely compensation disbursement, inter-agency institutional coordination, surveillance, and comprehensive rehabilitation of rescued children.The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri. Rajesh Kumar Singh, Registrar NCPCR. NCPCR successfully organized National Consultation on Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. Over 200 participants from various Central and State Ministries, Police Departments,… pic.twitter.com/eE9xnyYoQq — NCPCR (@NCPCR_) May 14, 2025 **** SS/MS