After the Nithari episode, the Ministry of Women and Child Development is working on a Child Protection Bill to address the sexual and economic exploitation of children.

In fact, prior to drafting the bill, the ministry, while introspecting on the existing dozen-odd legislations in an internal note, has observed that “a large number of children in the country are suffering from child abuse, which need to be addressed more effectively and attentively”.

Identifying “sexual and economic exploitation, domestic violence, trafficking for prostitution, corporal punishment at school and others” as child abuse, the ministry notes that issues ranging from health, nutrition, sports and recreation, other than protection from exploitation and abuse have already been taken up by the government through constitutional provisions, law, government policies and schemes.

It, however, states that “still there are issues which need further intervention”. It goes on to point out that “child abuse” (written in bold in the note) is one such issue. The note further admits that “sexual abuse and child pornography are the worst forms of child abuse” that the children are exposed to here.

Sources said the ministry, after identifying the problem areas, has held wide-ranging discussions with NGOs and legal experts to finalise a bill on offences against children. A source said the ministry hopes to have the bill passed in the coming session of the Parliament. The Bill is, however, yet to be put before the Cabinet.

Presently, there are at least 11 legislations and a helpline, managed by the ministry, which address the issue of child abuse. The legislations which specifically deal with physical, economic and sexual abuse of children are Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, and Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000. Certain provisions of the Indian Penal Code also deal with physical and sexual abuse of children.