Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) had a joint meeting with Goa Police on 27th February 2023 at Conference Hall, Police Headquarters, Panaji.
The meeting, conducted in view surge in crimes against children in Goa, had the participation of the Director General of Police, Inspector General of Police, Superintendent of Police (North Goa and South Goa), Child Welfare Committee (North Goa and South Goa) and Childline. Addressing the occasion, Director General of Police Jaspal Singh expressed optimism that the meeting would prove very helpful and would enable the Police to be more equipped with the laws and the right procedures to be undertaken in case of situations related to child issues.
The meeting was organized to ensure effective implementation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015 and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012 in collaboration with the child protection system for a deeper understanding of the legalities involved in child issues. Peter F. Borges, Chairperson, GSCPCR, while making a detailed presentation, emphasized the principles and relevant statutory provisions involving JJ Act and explained to the police personnel the management of their actions to safeguard the children’s rights and ensure their privileges as children.
He stressed that it is essential for all police personnel to enhance their awareness level of contemporary child issues and their rights and problems and to work hand in hand with the child protection system.
The following actions were recommended as an outcome of the meeting.
1) Establish a full-fledged district level, Special Juvenile Police Unit as per Section 107, JJ Act, 2015; Rule 86, JJ Model Rules, 2016) and designated Child Welfare Police Officers at all Police Stations. Subsection (1) of Section 107. Sec 2 (18), JJ Act, 2015.
2) Sustained crackdown drives on juvenile riders through special drives near prominent schools/higher secondary schools and crack down on private vehicles ferrying children without a permit as well as overloading of children, which put children at risk.
3) Reporting of POCSO cases to the Child Welfare Committee in Form B – – Preliminary assessment report shall be filled by the Investigation Officer after a detailed study and submitted to the CWC within 24 hrs of registration of FIR for ensuring care and protection of POCSO victims.
4) Engaging Child Protection System in Community Policing Programme, “Prayaas” of the Goa Police 5) Customized capacity building programmes for Child Welfare Police Officers (CWPOs) on contemporary children’s issues for Goa police personnel.
