Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Advocates for Live Location Sharing Among Children
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Andhra Pradesh Home Minister V. Anitha has urged the necessity for parents to request their children to share their live location while going out, given the increasing safety concerns in society. She emphasizes the change in societal conditions compared to her youth, advocating for awareness programs regarding the POCSO Act in educational institutions.
Key Takeaways
- Home Minister V. Anitha requests her children to share their live location.
- Concerns about safety after 6 p.m. have escalated.
- 20% of POCSO accused are below 18 years.
- Special courts are expediting POCSO cases.
- Awareness programs about POCSO are being introduced in schools.
Visakhapatnam, April 17 (NationPress) V. Anitha, the Home Minister of Andhra Pradesh, expressed on Thursday her practice of requesting her children to share their live location whenever they venture out.
She emphasized that in today's environment, parents must carefully consider sending their children out after 6 p.m.
“Although I hold the position of Home Minister, I still insist my children send their live location when they are out due to the alarming state of society,” she remarked during a program focused on women’s safety.
The Home Minister reminisced that during her academic years, young girls felt safe returning from evening tuition classes, even at 8 p.m., but the current circumstances are markedly different.
Earlier, during the program, she discussed a recent analysis by the Vijayawada Police Commissioner regarding cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, revealing that 20 percent of the accused are under 18 years old, and 59 percent fall between the ages of 19 and 23.
She highlighted a disturbing case in which a 17-year-old boy was accused of sexually harassing a 14-year-old girl. This case shocked many, particularly because the boy was a high-achieving student. A case under the POCSO Act was subsequently filed against him.
Anitha noted the importance of reflecting on the impact of convictions on the youth and their families after they face sentencing under the POCSO Act.
She stated that special courts are now in session across all districts to expedite the handling of POCSO cases. “Convictions for sexual harassment can result in jail sentences ranging from 20 to 25 years. A 17-year-old could find himself incarcerated until middle age. What are the repercussions for parents who place great expectations on their son? What about his sister, who must navigate through society?”
Additionally, Anitha mentioned that awareness programs regarding the POCSO Act are being implemented in all educational institutions, and that the subject of self-discipline will be integrated into the curriculum.
