Juveniles’ involvement in crime at record high: Government

The Union Government has said that in the last three years, a total 131558 juveniles have been apprehended, indicating a sharp rise in children’s  involvement in crime. Noting this, Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Maneka Sanjay Gandhi said, “According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Ministry of Home Affairs, the number of juveniles apprehended under Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Special Local Laws (SLL) crimes has increased. In 2012, 39,822 juveniles were apprehended, whereas in 2013, the number rose to 43,506 and further increased to 48,230 in 2014.” 

She also said that currently “the total number of Observation Homes functioning in various states or UTs is 293, for 2015-16  and the number of Special Homes functioning during the same period are 47 and Observation cum Special Homes functioning are 13.”

The ministry is implementing the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) under which financial assistance is provided to state governments /UT administrations for setting up and managing Child Care Institutions (CCIs) by themselves or in association with voluntary organisations.

Gandhi further said, “The financial norms under the scheme were enhanced from April 1, 2014. Some of the key features of the revised scheme are: Increased child maintenance grant from Rs 750 to Rs 2000 per child per month, increased financial norm for construction and maintenance of a new home for 50 children from Rs 77.61 lakh to Rs 1.29 crore, increased financial support for a special unit of 10 children for children with special needs from Rs 4.22 lakh to Rs 10.48 lakh, flexibility in staffing pattern and enhanced cost of construction from Rs.600 per sq. ft to Rs.1000 per sq. ft or as per PWD norms, whichever is lower.”