Delhi government today held a consultation with NGOs working for women and child welfare over its proposals which include amending criminal laws to treat juveniles aged above 15 years as adults and providing "harsh punishments" to those guilty of committing heinous crimes against women.
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who is heading a GoM set up the AAP cabinet in this regard, sought ideas, inputs and suggestions from several organisations including 'Bachpan Bachao Andolan' on preparing suitable amendments in appropriate criminal laws.
The government said that key issues identified during the meeting include implementation of the POCSO Act, inaction of police during filing of complaint and investigation and need for holistic planning for juvenile convict rehabilitation.
Rakesh Senger, Director (Victim Assistance and Campaign) BBA, said that the thrust of their suggestions revolved around creating awareness rather than focusing on enhancing punishments.
"Our point was that the solution lies not in amendments when the existing laws are not being implemented on the ground. How many convictions have there been under the POCSO Act till date? The focus should be more on generating awareness in schools and in the society at large," Senger told PTI.
Institutionalisation and funding of structures under exisiting legal provisions were the need of the hour, he said.
Other organisations involved in the consultations were Salaam Baalak Trust, Haq Center for Child Rights, Badhte Kadam, Chetna and Save the Children, among others.
"All the non-profits gave their detailed responses and data-based views on the 7-points under consideration of the Group of Ministers (GoM)," an official statement said.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced the formation of the GoM on October 19 in the wake of successive rapes of minors in the capital. The GoM was tasked with submitting a detailed report within two weeks.
However, the government today said that several such consultations will take place over the next two weeks and also invited suggestions from people till November 7.
