Ministry of Steel to Launch "Swachhata Hi Seva 2024" Campaign with Nationwide Events

"Swachhata Hi Seva 2024" Campaign – Ministry of Steel

Objective: Promote cleanliness, sustainability, and public engagement.

Supreme Court Ruling: Viewing, storing child sexual exploitation and abuse material is an offence under POCSO, IT Act.

Key Features of POCSO Act

• Child Definition: Any person below 18 years; gender-neutral.
• Offences: Includes sexual assault, harassment, and use of children in pornography.
• Mandatory Reporting: Punishable if not reported.
• Child-Friendly Procedures: Safe environments, in-camera trials, and parental presence.
• Special Courts: Fast-track trials within 1 year.
• Presumption of Guilt: Accused presumed guilty unless proven innocent.
• Child Welfare Committees: Provide rehabilitation, legal, and medical aid.

POCSO Amendment Act, 2019

• Death Penalty: For rape of minors under 12.
• Stricter Punishments: For sexual offences.

Supreme Court Ruling

• Terminology Change: Replaces "child pornography" with "Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material" (CSEAM) for a more accurate reflection of the crime.