Activists pick holes in draft national child protection policy, claim it is in the form of ‘guidelines’

NEW DELHI: The draft national child protection policy put up for public comment by the government last month is facing criticism from activists who claim it is “in the form of guidelines and expectations from various duty holders and less of a policy statement on child protection”.

Drawing attention to other gaps in the proposal, they have written to the ministry of women and child development pointing out that the “disability perspective” is missing from the draft.

According to officials in the WCD, the document focussed on “zero tolerance towards any kind of abuse of children in institutions” in the backdrop the Muzaffarpur shelter home abuse case. They have also said that this was a draft and they would take into account all the comments and suggestions to make a “robust child protection policy” which will be then submitted in the Supreme Court. The SC in October asked the WCD ministry to frame guidelines for rehabilitation of minor victims of sexual offences.

The activists have sought an extension of the deadline for receiving suggestions till February 4. They argue that since this would be a long-term policy concerning 40% of the population of the country, more deliberations are required. The letter signed by 33 voluntary organisations has been sent by National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) to WCD secretary Rakesh Srivastava.

It is pointed out that two important legislations – the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and the Mental Health Care Act, 2017 – are not even acknowledged in the draft.

The existing National Policy for Children was notified in 2013. This draft policy is seen to be the first review of any kind since the 2013 policy came and after the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 was notified.

The draft provides a framework for all institutions and organisations, government or private sector to understand their responsibility to protect children. All organisations would have to develop a child protection policy and code for employees. All employees would have to sign a declaration committing to respecting children, supporting their right to protection and commit to reporting any case of child abuse.

NPRD, general secretary Muralidharan, said that most people they have spoken to are unaware of the publication of this draft policy and hence are unable to give a comprehensive response given the fact that the deadline for sending comments ends on Thursday. He said they hoped the government would extend the deadline and take their suggestions into account.