A startling revelation has emerged as 1,896 cases of minor pregnant women have been reported in the Vijayanagara and Ballari, yet only 7FIRs have been filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Shashidhar Kosumbe, a member of the Child Rights Protection Commission, shared this information during a press conference following a meeting with officials from various departments focused on safeguarding children’s rights at the Nazir Hall of the Zilla Panchayat.
The state is grappling with a total of 28,657 cases of child pregnant women, with 924 instances reported in Ballari district alone. Kosumbe emphasized the need for thorough verification of birth dates in Aadhaar cards and school enrollment records to ensure appropriate action is taken. In response to concerns about falsified information, the government has directed the formation of a task force to gather accurate data on child pregnant women.
Deputy Director of the Women and Child Welfare Department, Vijayakumar, warned of strict actions against underage pregnancies after scrutinizing school records. Despite three meetings held in the district, investigations into child marriage and child pregnancy remain intertwined, with no specific information on actual cases. When questioned about accountability, Kosumbe revealed that no officers have been held responsible so far.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Vijayakumar acknowledged five cases of feticide in the district last year, emphasizing forthcoming actions to protect girls. Additionally, the department is awaiting a grant of 152 crore for the upgradation of Anganwadi centers in the KMERYD district, with plans to commence the enhancement of all Anganwadis once the funds are received.
What is POCSO?
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act is a crucial legal framework in India aimed at safeguarding children from sexual exploitation and abuse. Enacted in 2012, POCSO defines various forms of sexual offenses against minors and outlines stringent penalties for perpetrators. The Act focuses on expediting the legal process and ensuring the privacy and well-being of the child victims during trials. By providing a dedicated legal framework, POCSO strives to create a safer environment for children and deter acts of sexual violence against them.
