Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 7: State Government today said that process of setting up Juvenile Justice Board has been set in motion and its establishment may take one or two months.
Minister of Social Welfare, Sajjad Gani Lone, while replying to the question of MLC Dr Shehnaz Ganai, in the Upper House said that establishment of the Juvenile Justice Board is very important and said he shares the concern of the Legislator.
The Minister said that the setting up of the Board is under process as it is closely linked with the release of funds under Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) and nomination of various Government/non-governmental nominees.
“Everything is not in our hand. The High Court has to nominate the head of the Board and once it comes we will establish it in 15-20 days,” Lone said. He said there will be strong and very strong legal frame works to protect children at district and below levels.
However, the Minister’s reply couldn’t satisfy the MLC and she sought time-bound establishment of the Board. “Within one-two month it will be established… Children will feel most protected then ever since 1947,” the Minister for Social Welfare said.
The Government meanwhile said that the Labour and Employment Department has not conducted any specific survey to estimate the number of child workers/ labourers in the rural and urban areas at present in the State. “However, 603 children have been enrolled seeking education under National Child Labour Project in the State with 265 males and 338 females,” the Minister concerned said.
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