Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 405/13

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL OFFENCES ACT, 2012

Shillong, August 1, 2013: The National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and State Commissions for the Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) have been made the designated authority to monitor the implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 which came into force on 14th November 2012.

The Act under its ambit defines child as a person below the age group of 18 and is gender neutral and have a clear definition for all types of sexual abuses like sexual harassment, penetrative or non penetrative sexual abuse and pornography. Sexual offences are currently covered under different sections of IPC. The IPC does not provide for all types of sexual offences against children and more importantly does not distinguish between adult and child victims.

The Act provides for stringent punishment, which have been graded as per the gravity of the offence. The punishments range from simple to rigorous imprisonment of varying periods. There is also provision for fine which is to be decided by the court. An offence is treated as “aggravated” when committed by a person in a position of trust or authority of child such as a member of security forces, police officer and public servant.

The media has been barred from disclosing the identity of the child without the permission of the Special Court. The punishment for breaching the provision by media may be from six month to one year. Punishment for offences covered in the Act are Penetrative Sexual Assault under Section 3, not less than seven years and may extend to imprisonment for life, and fine under Section 4, Aggravated Penetrative Sexual Assault under Section 5, No less than ten years which may extend imprisonment for life and fine under Section 6, Sexual Assault under Section 7, Not less than three years which may extend to five years and fine under Section 8. Aggravated Sexual Assault under Section 9, not less than five years which may extend to seven years and fine under Section 10, Sexual Harassment of the Child under Section 11, -three years and fine under Section 12. Use of Child for Pornography Purposes under Section 13 and five years and fine and in the event of subsequent conviction, seven years and fine under Section 14(1).

The Act provides for the establishment of Special Courts for trial of offences under the Act, keeping the best interest of child as of paramount importance at every stage of the judicial process. Also the Special Court is to complete the trial within a period of one year as far as possible. The Act incorporates child friendly procedures for reporting, recording of evidence, investigation and trial of offences.

The Act recognizes that the intent to commit an offence, even when unsuccessful for whatever reason, needs to be penalized. The attempt to commit an offence under the Act has been made liable for punishment for upto half the punishment prescribed for the commission of the offence. The Act also provides for punishment for abetment of the offence, which is the same as for the commission of the offence. This would cover trafficking of children for sexual purposes.

To provide relief and rehabilitation of the child, as soon as the complaint is made to the Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU) or local police, these will make immediate arrangements to give the child, care and protection such as admitting the child into shelter home or to the nearest hospital within twenty-four hours of the report. The SJPU or the local police are also required to report the matter to the Child Welfare Committee within 24 hours of recording the complaint for long term rehabilitation of the child.

Press Release No. 407/13

DISTRICT DAY CELEBRATIONS

Shillong, August 2, 2013: The District Administration together with the District Demand Committee and the Citizen Forum of Mawkyrwat has geared up with various gala events to celebrate the foundation day of the South West Khasi Hills District in a befitting manner.

The 1st District Day Celebration will be held on 3rd August 2013 at Mawkyrwat District headquarter. The scheduled gala events for the 1st anniversary of the District will include the Football Match exhibition where the Royal Wahingdoh will take on against Mawkyrwat XI at 11AM at Saitsnad Play ground which will be followed by the unveiling of statue of Sngap Syiem at 2 pm at Circuit House premises.

At 3 pm onward at D.C Office Complex, Laitlawsang there will be an Award ceremony where persons who have excelled in the field of sports, academics, social work, acts of courage and bravery will be awarded, presentation of mementoes, cultural programme, prizes distribution, releasing of souvenir and alongside Mini Fete cum food festival will also be conducted where different local cuisine will be showcased and sell during the day to be followed by Musical evening.

The weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation programme will also be launched under the New District by the office of the District Medical & Health Officer, Nongstoin on that auspicious day.