The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Amendment Bill, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha on 08.01.2019 and the Bill stands lapsed on dissolution of the 16^th Lok Sabha.

Section 43 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act) provides that the Central Government and every State Government shall take all measures to give wide publicity to the provisions of the Act. The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), has taken various steps from time to time to create awareness of the provisions of the POCSO Act through electronic and print media, consultations, workshops and training programmes with stakeholders concerned.

The Ministry has also issued an advisory dated 20.06.2019 to all the State Governments/UT Administrations for effective implementation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, 2015 and the POCSO Act and has entrusted the supervision of child welfare in each district to the District Magistrate/District Collector. Further, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCRs) are also mandated to monitor the implementation of the POCSO Act, 2012.

Ministry of Home Affairs has also issued advisory advising States/UTs to take certain step for improving general awareness about legislations relating to crime against children and mechanisms in place for safety and protection of the children.

As per the information provided by National Crime Records Bureau, a total of 89423, 94172 and 106958 cases were reported in the country under Crime against Children during 2014, 2015 and 2016 respectively. Further, a total of 35881, 45473 and 55384 cases were pending investigation at the end of the years 2014, 2015 and 2016 respectively. A total of 130925, 165853 and 204100 cases were pending trial at the end of the years 2014, 2015 and 2016 respectively.

This information was given by the Minister of Women and Child Development, Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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MM