The cases of crimes against women reported in the country jumped from a little over 2.44 lakh in 2012 to more than 3.34 lakh in 2014 while violations against children, too, witnessed an increase during the same period, Parliament was today told.
"As per the National Crime Records Bureau data, a total of 2,44,270, 3,09,546 and 3,34,188 cases (of crimes against women) were reported in the country during 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively, showing a rising trend.
"Similarly, a total of 38,172, 58,224 and 89,594 cases were reported (in the corresponding three years) under crimes against children, showing a rising trend," Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.
The minister said that the government recognises that the incidence of crimes against women and children cannot be checked unless the mindset of the people in general undergoes a change.
Continuous efforts to raise awareness among men and women through workshops, seminars, street plays are being undertaken at the district level.
"Advertisements in the press and electronic media to educate people about issues of domestic violence, child sex ratio and child marriage, etc. Are also being taken up. Platforms such as the International Women's Day and the National Girl Child Day are being used to create awareness on issues related to women," she said.
In another reply, Gandhi said that the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has registered 74 complaints of exploitation and abuse of children at child care institutions over the last three years and the current year.
"Section 34(3) of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, mandates all child care institutions, including homes of various types, to be registered under the Act.
"The provisions of the JJ Act and the rules framed thereunder inter alia provide for various mechanisms, including inspection of CCIs, minimum standards of care, etc. to keep a check on the functioning of these institutions, especially to prevent cases of abuse and exploitation," the minister further said.
