POCSO
|
Title |
POCSO Act, 2012 |
|
Full form |
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 |
|
Objective |
To protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation |
|
Enacted |
19th June 2012 |
|
Commenced |
14th November 2012 |
|
Applicability |
The act applies to all of India except Jammu and Kashmir, which has its own laws regarding child sexual abuse |
|
Age of consent |
The act defines anyone under the age of 18 as a child |
|
Offences |
The act covers various forms of sexual offences against children, including penetrative and non-penetrative assault, sexual harassment, and using children for pornographic purposes |
|
Punishment |
The act prescribes stringent punishment for offenders, including imprisonment, fines, and registration as a sex offender |
|
Special courts |
The act mandates the establishment of special courts for the trial of offences under the act |
|
Protection of child victims |
The act includes provisions for the protection of child victims, including the provision of legal assistance, medical care, and counseling |
|
Reporting of offenses |
The act mandates the reporting of offences to the police, and failure to report can result in punishment |
|
Child-friendly procedures |
The act includes provisions for child-friendly procedures during investigations and trials, including the use of child-friendly language and the provision of support persons for child victims |
|
Amendments |
The act was amended in 2019 to provide for the death penalty for aggravated sexual assault on children, and to expand the definition of child pornography to include morphed images and videos |
Note: This information is accurate as of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021.
Limitations of POCSO
While the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 is an important piece of legislation aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation, there are some shortcomings that need to be addressed. Here are some of the key shortcomings of POCSO:
Implementation gaps: Despite the enactment of POCSO, there are gaps in its implementation. These include delays in investigation and prosecution, lack of trained personnel to handle cases, and limited awareness among the general public about the act.
Underreporting of cases: Many cases of child sexual abuse and exploitation go unreported due to various factors, such as fear of stigma, lack of trust in the justice system, and social and cultural barriers.
Burden of proof: The burden of proof lies with the prosecution in POCSO cases, which can make it difficult to prove the guilt of the accused. This can lead to low conviction rates and impunity for offenders.
Protection of child victims: While POCSO includes provisions for the protection of child victims, such as providing them with legal assistance, medical care, and counseling, these provisions are often not implemented effectively due to resource constraints and other factors.
Inadequate rehabilitation measures: POCSO does not include adequate provisions for the rehabilitation of child victims of sexual abuse and exploitation. Many victims suffer from long-term psychological and emotional trauma, and there is a need for comprehensive rehabilitation measures to support their recovery.
Gender Bias Against Girl Child
Gender bias against the girl child in India is a pervasive issue that is reflected in various social, economic, and cultural indicators. Here are some government reports and data that highlight this issue:
Sex Ratio at Birth: According to the Sample Registration System (SRS) data released by the Registrar General of India in 2019, the sex ratio at birth in India was 899 females per 1000 males. This indicates that there is a strong preference for male children in India, leading to sex-selective abortions and female infanticide.
Child Sex Ratio: The child sex ratio (0-6 years) in India has been declining steadily over the years, from 927 girls per 1000 boys in 2001 to 914 girls per 1000 boys in 2011. This trend indicates that girl children continue to be discriminated against, leading to higher mortality rates and lower levels of education and development.
Female Literacy: The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 5 data released in 2021 shows that the female literacy rate in India is only 69%, compared to the male literacy rate of 83%. This reflects the lower priority given to educating girls and the lower social and economic opportunities available to them.
Child Marriage: The NFHS-5 data also shows that 27% of women aged 20-24 in India were married before the age of 18, indicating a high prevalence of child marriage. This practice often results in girls dropping out of school, early pregnancy and childbirth, and reduced opportunities for economic and social development.
Female Labor Force Participation: The Economic Survey of India 2020-21 shows that the female labor force participation rate in India has been declining over the years and is currently at 20.4%. This reflects the limited opportunities and social barriers that women face in accessing and participating in the formal workforce.
