Neelam Pandey/Faizan Haider, Hindustan Times, New Delh | Updated: Dec 06, 2012 23:46 IST

Even after 20 days of its implementation, the investigating agencies are not well versed with the 'Protection of Children from Sexual Offences' (POCSO) Act. The Act redefines sexual abuse against children and allows police to register cases under it rather than the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The special police unit for women and children have decided to train inspector level officers about the law that offers stricter punishment for people abusing minors.

The Delhi government has also decided to educate station house officers (SHO) of all police stations to ensure they are well versed with the new law.

"We have written to the Police Training College (PTC) and by next week, we plan to start training investigating officers. After that, we will organise training at the district level and compile a data of cases registered under this new act," a senior police officer of the special unit said.

“Before the act was implemented, we had held a meeting with all the stakeholders and informed them what all they need to do. Now that it has been implemented, our first focus is to sensitise the investigating agencies about its nuances,” said a senior Delhi government official.

“We have decided to train SHOs as most cases are reported at this level,” he added.

The Delhi Police have tied up with various NGOs and child right activists for the purpose. “Necessary infrastructure should be provided by the government for the successful implementation of this act. The act offers compensation for children and also a translator in case the child doesn't understand the local language. There is a need to create a separate fund for this purpose and recruit additional staff who can act as translators," Raj Mangal Prasad, a child right activist said.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/newdelhi/cops-to-be-sensitised-on-child-protection-act/article1-969451.aspx