- The Union Cabinet has approved an amendment to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act, 2012.
- The amendment provides for stringent punishment, including death penalty, for sexual assault of children.
- The amendments also provide for levy of fines and imprisonment to curb child pornography.
- Amendments are also proposed to protect children from sexual offences in times of natural calamities.
- The amendments are aimed to establish clarity regarding the aspects of child abuse and punishment thereof.
- It is expected to discourage the trend of child sexual abuse by acting as a deterrent due to strong penal provisions incorporated in the Act
- Further, it will protect the interest of vulnerable children in times of distress and ensures their safety and dignity.
- The POCSO Act, 2012 was enacted to protect the children from offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography.
- The Act defines a child as any person below eighteen years of age. Further, the Act is gender neutral.
