HC seeks reply from state on implementation of scheme for protection of children

In 2010, the state government had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the central government for implementation of the Centre-sponsored scheme. “What steps have been taken by the state government in implementing the scheme in the last five years?” said Justices V M Kanade and A R Joshi. The court has been asked to file its reply within two weeks.

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According to the MoU, the state government is supposed to assess the requirement of child protection services in the state under the scheme and accordingly make budgetary provisions in the state budget.

The government was also supposed to set up, within three months, a state children protection society, state adoption resource agency, juvenile justice boards and child welfare committees in each district and special juvenile police units with a child welfare officer in each police station. The court has also asked about the status of setting-up these structures.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation which was filed by one Jaya Guliani, through her lawyer Chetan Mali, seeking implementation of the scheme in the state. The PIL states that children are found begging on the streets of Mumbai, including month old babies and sick infants. These children are mercilessly exploited by unscrupulous persons, parents and guardians for wrongful gains and are denied their basic fundamental rights.

mumbai.newsline@expressindia.com