KOZHIKODE: The ministry of women and child development proposes to relax rules under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, to encourage more orphanages to register under the Act. In the JJ Act, 2007 and the subsequent rules framed by the state (Kerala JJ Rules, 2014) there is precise parameter about the floor area required for every child, area of dormitory and staff pattern among others.
But in the new draft model rules, the criteria about area have been omitted. When the previous rules had strict stipulation over the appointment of part-time/full-time teachers for the children, it was not there in new regulations. The requirements to be set up have also come down to a minimum of 25 children from 50.
“Orphanages coming under the JJ Act would bring about far-reaching changes in the lives of children. The relaxation of the rules is expected to prompt more to accept the Act,” said Naseer Chaliyam, a member of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR).
In a first, the draft model rules suggest JJ Act binding to child marriages also. Authorities could treat a potential victim of child marriages as a child in need of care and protection. She could be put in place of safety to avoid the pestering of parents and bring before the district child welfare committee (CWC).
“It is a major change as at present child marriages are being treated according to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act of 2006 only,” points out Sameer Machingal, district child protection officer (DCPO), Malappuram. Association of Orphanages and Charitable Institutions secretary T.K. Pareekutty Haji responded that he was yet to study in detail about the draft model rules. The suggestions on the rules should be submitted by July 15.
