Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) had a joint meeting with the Goa Police on February 27, 2023, at the Conference Hall, Police Headquarters, Panjim.
The meeting, which was conducted in view of the 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), the 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 organised with the objective of ensuring the 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, the chairperson of GSCPCR, while making a detailed presentation, emphasised the principles and relevant statutory provisions involving the JJ Act.
He explained to the police personnel the management of their actions to safeguard the rights of the children and ensure their privileges as children.
Peter F Borges also stressed that it is essential for all police personnel to enhance their awareness level on contemporary child issues and their rights and problems, and urged them 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.