Team Herald

PANJIM: As discussions on the modified draft model rules under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 remained incomplete, Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) has sought suggestions from stakeholders by Monday.

The commission had called for a meeting inviting comments and suggestions from the stakeholders on the draft model rules under JJ Act 2015, as per relaxation given by Union Ministry. The JJ Act 2015 came into force from January 15, 2016 repealing the JJ Act, 2000.

In a day-long discussion at the Secretariat on Friday, GSCPCR received hundreds of suggestions on every rule and chapter mentioned in the draft.

“Due to lack of time and suggestions still pouring in, we requested them (attendees) to mail their inputs to the commission. We will then compile all the comments and suggestions, to subsequently forward to the Ministry of Women & Child Welfare by June 9. The ministry will take a final call incorporating our inputs,” Commission Chairperson Shushma Kirtani told Herald post-discussion.

The draft model rules are based on the philosophy that children need to be reformed and reintegrated into society. One of the key features of the JJ Act, 2015 is special treatment of children in the age group of 16-18 years who commit heinous offences. Some representatives showed empathy towards such children while others suggested strict action against juveniles involved in serious offences citing the Nirbhaya case.

There were also suggestions to ensure mandatory registration of all Child Care Institutions. The State has seen a number of such institutions running illegally.

Similarly, NGOs also raised concern over illegal adoption and safety of children in need of care and protection. The Child Welfare Committees and Juvenile Justice Boards of both districts, Goa Police, department of Women & Child Development, NGOs and other agencies were present.