J-K Govt unveils draft policy for rehabilitation of children in street situations

SRINAGAR — In a significant move, the Jammu & Kashmir Government has prepared the draft policy for the rehabilitation of children in street situations (CISS) and put it in the public domain for feedback.

The J&K Government has sought suggestions on the draft policy from interested individuals, organisations, statutory bodies and other stakeholders by or before September 6.

According to the draft policy, its main objective is to take steps for identification and suitable rehabilitation for children in street situations. It also defines the roles and responsibilities of the nodal officer at both the UT level and district level for the rehabilitation of children in street situations.

The policy also recommends measures for the rehabilitation of children in street situations in accordance with the prevailing situations and provides a plan for their reporting and monitoring.

As per the policy, the district magistrate along with the key officers of the line departments and other stakeholders/public representatives shall be responsible for the identification, rescue and rehabilitation of CISS. “The district magistrate shall hold a meeting with all stakeholders at least once in a month,” the draft policy states.

The policy provides that the administrative secretary of the Social Welfare Department shall monitor the status of CISS on a quarterly basis.

As per the policy, a committee headed by the chief secretary shall take review of rehabilitation of CISS once in six months.

The policy states that the Social Welfare department may empower district magistrates to provide immediate relief of Rs 2000 to the identified children in street situations at the time of the rescue from the Juvenile Justice Fund Created under the Juvenile Justice Act-2015.