Proposal to lower juvenile age limit to be sent to Centre: Maha CM

Mumbai, June 30 (IANS) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that the state government will send a proposal to the Centre to lower the age limit for juvenile delinquents from 18 to 16 years.

To ensure stricter action against those who exploit children for criminal activities and drug distribution, necessary amendments will be made to the law.

He was speaking at the debate initiated by member Arjun Khotkar, who raised a question regarding the rising trend of juvenile delinquency in Jalna district. Member Sudhir Mungantiwar also participated in the debate by asking a supplementary question.

CM Fadnavis clarified that the recent incident in Latur was a personal matter and stemmed from a family dispute. He stated that the investigation is underway, and the children in conflict with the law (juveniles) whose involvement has been established have been produced before the Juvenile Justice Board.

However, the Chief Minister pointed out that certain criminal elements are exploiting the legal provision that mandates keeping children in observation homes instead of arresting them. It has been observed that such individuals use minors to execute crimes.

Furthermore, serious offences are increasingly being committed by children under the age of 16. Against this backdrop, a high-level committee will be appointed to conduct a scientific analysis of the growing trend of juvenile delinquency.

Additionally, the government is considering invoking strict provisions related to organised crime against gangs and individuals who exploit children, alongside making relevant laws more effective, he added.

Replying to a supplementary question on the issue, Minister of State Yogesh Kadam stated that various preventive and rehabilitative measures are being implemented across the state to curb juvenile delinquency.

The police regularly conduct awareness campaigns, counseling sessions, and guidance programs on cyber security and de-addiction for students, parents, and teachers in schools and colleges. Regular patrolling and preventive actions are also being carried out in sensitive areas.

Minister Kadam further mentioned that Special Juvenile Police Units have been established across all police wings under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

Through these units, the ‘CARE’ (Counselling and Reformative Education) program is being implemented to integrate juveniles back into the mainstream.

Special emphasis is also being placed on the protection, education, counselling, personality development, and rehabilitation of such children within observation homes.

Meanwhile, Minister Uday Samant on Tuesday informed the Legislative Council during the Question Hour that the state government is continuously pursuing the Central Government for the pending funds of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana, which is implemented for poor, homeless, and extremely needy families in urban areas.

Once the central funds are released, steps will be taken to disburse the state government’s share. The issue was raised by member Hemant Patil, with members Pravin Darekar and Abhijeet Vanjari raising supplementary questions.

Minister Samant explained that the scheme was launched in cities with a population of over one lakh, with funding split 60:40 between the Central Government and the State Government. Currently, approximately Rs 78 crore in funds is pending from the Centre. He assured that the state is in constant communication with the Central Government to secure this amount.

He further clarified that since this is a central scheme and not a state-specific one, the financial crunch has arisen solely due to the non-disposal of central funds. In light of this, a fresh demand will be placed before the Central government.

Minister Samant also noted that the government will technically examine whether the state’s 40 per cent share can be released prior to receiving the Centre’s 60 per cent allocation.

–IANS

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