Context:
Crimes against women down but rape, POCSO cases up, latest Rajasthan data shows
POCSO Act, 2012:
- Effective Date – 14th November 2012.
- Enacted following India’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1992).
- Purpose – Address sexual exploitation and abuse of children.
- Definition of ‘child’ includes any person below 18 years.
- Punishment based on the gravity of the offence.
- Amendment (2019) – Introduced stringent punishments, including the death penalty.
- Features –
- Gender-Neutral Nature – Recognizes both girls and boys as potential victims and ensures non-discriminatory protection from sexual abuse.
- Ease in Reporting Cases by providing increased awareness for reporting by individuals and institutions.
- Non-reporting made a specific offence.
- Child pornography storage made an offence.
- Sexual assault defined explicitly with increased minimum punishment.
POCSO Rules 2020:
- Interim Compensation and Special Relief – Special Court can order interim compensation for relief or rehabilitation.
- Adjusted against final compensation.
- Immediate Payment of Special Relief – Child Welfare Committee (CWC) may recommend immediate payment for essential needs (food, clothes, transportation).
- Funds from District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), or funds maintained under the Juvenile Justice Act 2015 can be used for this purpose.
- Payment must be made within a week of recommendation.
- Support Person for the Child – Empowers CWC to provide a support person during investigation and trial.
- He/She is responsible for ensuring child’s best interests, including physical, emotional, and mental well-being and to inform child and guardians about court proceedings and case developments.
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Source: The Indian Express
Previous Year Question
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017?
1. Pregnant women are entitled for three months predelivery and three months post-delivery paid leave
2. Enterprises with creches must allow the mother minimum six creche visits daily
3. Women with two children get reduced entitlements.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect. The act provides for 26 weeks of paid maternity leave for women employees, unless they have two or more surviving children.
Statement 2 is incorrect. Enterprises with creches must allow the mother minimum 4 creche visits daily.
