Asking states to ensure that the legislation on protecting children from sexual offences is implemented, Union Minister Krishna Tirath today proposed that students be educated about the law as part of school curriculum.
"Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 should be in the school curriculum and children must be educated about its provisions," the Women and Child Development Minister said addressing a gathering at the first regional conference on POCSO Act, 2012 here.
Focussing on increasing incidents of sexual abuse of children, Tirath requested the state governments to take necessary steps for the implementation of the Act.
She said measures like in-camera proceedings, interpreter and proper medical facilities must be provided to the children who have faced sexual abuse.
Tirath stated that the POCSO Act describes sexual offence in a gender neutral manner and provides for child friendly and sensitive treatment for children who have faced sexual abuse.
"Providing safe environment to the children is the responsibility of all citizens of the country," she said
Kushal Singh, Chairman of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), spoke about the monitoring role of the Commission as provided in the Act.
She highlighted the basic problems like insensitivity of police, lack of trained counsellors and the need for strengthening the juvenile justice mechanism.
A presentation made by the Ministry highlighted the provisions of the said Act in detail while emphasising on some features such as gender neutrality, definitions of sexual harassment, sexual assault and pornography, punishment as per gravity of offence, special courts and victim compensation.
