SCPCR links 54.4 per cent rise in child crimes to falling morals & family breakdown
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) chairperson Geeta Khanna has highlighted the findings of the NCRB report, which indicates a 54.4 per cent increase in crimes against children in Uttarakhand. She suggested that while improved reporting could be one reason for this increase, falling moral standards in society and family breakdowns are significant contributing factors.
Khanna noted that the rise in crime against children correlates with increased reporting, but also pointed out that children are influenced by mobile phones and social media, which can encourage them towards negative and antisocial behaviour. She further stated that rising political animosity, mutual rivalry, declining societal morality and rapid demographic change are also primary reasons for these crimes.
She further expressed particular concern over the recent Champawat gang rape incident, which the police later claimed was fabricated, suggesting it was fuelled by political rivalry. Khanna stressed that circulating videos of a minor girl on social media is a clear violation of the Juvenile Justice Act and child protection laws. She appealed to citizens to refrain from spreading such videos or content. If anyone receives such material, they should delete it immediately and avoid sharing it to protect the girl’s identity and dignity.
Additionally, Khanna reported that, following complaints received from various sources, including a reputable NGO regarding sexual abuse, the commission conducted an inspection on Friday of the concerned Madarsa. Several serious irregularities were discovered, raising significant concerns.
The inspection revealed a lack of required map approvals and fire safety standards at the institution. A hostel for children was found to be operating in a basement, with children housed in extremely small rooms that far exceeded the prescribed capacity. This situation constitutes serious negligence regarding the children’s safety, health, and mental well-being.
Khanna further noted that most of the children at the Madarsa were brought in from outside States, such as Bihar, while very few were local. It is alarming that children from other States are repeatedly found in such institutions. Interviews with the children indicated that their parents are alive and that they were sent there with the promise of education and better facilities.
She emphasised that the environment children are provided, the education they receive, their diets and their mental development are all under serious scrutiny. Under no circumstances should children be used for religious, social, or political purposes. Influencing children’s thinking and mentality in the name of religion is a very serious issue, which the commission strongly opposes.
Khanna also stated that it is essential to establish clear regulations for all types of hostels operating in the State—whether affiliated with Madarsas, coaching institutes or private organisations. The safety and operational regulations applicable to school hostels should be applied equally to all institutions and registration of all hostels should be made mandatory.
