According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Ministry of Home Affairs, the number of juveniles apprehended under Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Special Local Laws (SLL) crimes has increased. In the year 2012, 39,822 juveniles were apprehended whereas in 2013, the number increased to 43,506 and further increased to 48,230 in 2014.
The total number of Observation Homes functioning in various states/UTs during 2015-16 are 293. The number of Special Homes functioning during the same period are 47 and Observation cum Special Homes functioning are 13.
The Women and Child Development Ministry is implementing the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) under which financial assistance is provided to State Governments /UT Administrations for setting up and managing Child Care Institutions (CCIs) by themselves or in association with Voluntary Organizations. The primary responsibility of managing the CCIs is of the State Governments/UT Administrations concerned.
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 and Central Model Rules, 2007 there under provides for various measures for rehabilitation and social reintegration of juveniles by setting up Observation Homes and Special Homes. The Act provides for mandatory registration of these Homes for enforcing Standards of Care as envisaged under the Act and Rules.
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Under Section 35 of the Act, Inspection Committee are formed by State Governments at State and district level for the inspection of Child Care Institutions. Under, section 62 and Rule 93, Advisory Boards constituted at District and city level also function as inspection committees. Further, the Juvenile Justice Boards are also required to monitor institutions for juveniles.
For the effective implementation of the Act, the Government is implementing the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) since 2009. The financial norms under the Scheme were enhanced w.e.f 1st April, 2014. Some of the key features of the revised scheme are: Increased child maintenance grant from Rs. 750 to Rs. 2000 per child per month, increased financial norm for construction and maintenance of a new home for 50 children from Rs 77.61 lakh to Rs. 1.29 crore, increased financial support for a special unit of 10 children for children with special needs from Rs.4.22 lakh to Rs 10.48 lakh, flexibility in staffing pattern and enhanced cost of construction from Rs.600 per sq. ft to Rs.1000 per sq. ft or as per PWD norms, whichever is lower.
The amount of funds sanctioned to states/UTs under ICPS including funds for Observation Homes and Special Homes during 2014-15 was Rs 46073.27 lakhs, amount released was Rs 45078.15 lakhs and amount utilized upto 31st October, 2015 by the States/UTs was Rs 39989.95 lakhs.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi in reply to a starred question in Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
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