Report by OD bureau; Bhubaneswar: In another step forward for protecting children from sexual assault, harassment and pornography, Chief Secretary Bijay Kumar Patnaik has directed to draw up definite action plans and complete those within specific time period. 

Patnaik has given this direction while presiding over a high level meeting on implementation of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 held in secretariat conference hall last evening wherein Secretary W & CD Smt Arati Ahuja  along with Director Smt. Suja Karthikeyan outlined the issues for discussions. 

 The meeting deliberated on different dimensions and provisions of the Act. Emohasis was laid on protecting the  children from sexual offences while safeguarding their interest at every stage of judicial process. It was decided that child friendly mechanisms will be incorporated  for reporting of offences, recording of evidence, investigation of charges and expedited justice delivery. The Action points were decided in the meeting. The major action points include framing of definite rules of procedure, designation of Special Courts, engagement of Special Prosecutors, creation of victim compensation fund, guide line for support professionals under the Act, plan for IEC ( Information Education & Communication) activities, training and  sensitization of police personnel, notification of Special juvenile Police Units ( SJPU ).

It was decided that SJPUs will be notified at District and Police Station levels. Hon’ble High Court will be requested for designation of a session’s court as Special Court.  Govt of Odisha has already constituted a victim compensation fund.  Steps will be taken to include victims of Sexual Offences Act in this fund as per orders of Special Courts. Chief Secretary has directed to frame guide lines for support professionals within a month and put to Govt for approval.

Patnaik has also advised Home and Police department to complete the training and sensitization of police personnel within 3 months. Chief Secretary has advised Child Welfare Committees of all the districts, local police, medical institutions and child rights  activists to work in tandem to fight out this  social  menace.     

The Chairperson State Commission for Child Rights Smt Saraswati Hembrum,  Chairperson State Women Commission Smt. Jyoti Kanungo, Principal Secretary Home Sri U.N.Behera, Director General of Police Sri Prakash Mishra along with other senior officials participated in deliberations.