Under the leadership of Police Commissioner Gautam Buddh Nagar, a comprehensive administrative and operational review meeting was organised to strengthen coordination among law enforcement and allied departments in implementing child protection laws, with a special focus on the Juvenile Justice Act, POCSO provisions and inter-departmental responsibilities for safeguarding children’s rights and welfare.
The monthly coordination workshop of the Special Juvenile Police Unit was held on December 15, 2025, at the auditorium of the Police Commissioner’s Office in Sector-108, Noida. The session was chaired by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Women Safety) Manisha Singh and brought together senior administrative officials, police officers and representatives from child welfare and social protection agencies. The objective of the workshop was to review existing mechanisms, address operational challenges and reinforce legal compliance in matters related to children in need of care and protection.
Focus on Juvenile Justice Act, Child Protection Mechanisms and Police Responsibilities
During the workshop, detailed discussions were held on the effective implementation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, including its latest amendments. Officers from the Special Juvenile Police Unit, Anti-Human Trafficking Unit and Child Welfare Police Officers from all police stations of the district participated in the deliberations. The meeting served as a platform to review procedural compliance and ensure uniform understanding of statutory responsibilities across police units.
Special emphasis was laid on the Standard Operating Procedures issued by the Women and Child Safety Organisation, Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow. These SOPs were discussed in detail to ensure that officers at the police station level are fully aware of their duties while dealing with cases involving children. The session examined challenges faced by Child Welfare Police Officers during investigation and rescue operations, particularly in cases related to missing children, child labour, child marriage and child begging.
The issue of missing children received focused attention, with discussions on registered and pending cases within the district. Officers were instructed to prioritise timely registration, investigation and recovery efforts, while maintaining close coordination with child protection agencies and community stakeholders. The workshop also reviewed measures to strengthen preventive action against child labour and child marriage, emphasising the need for proactive policing and awareness campaigns at the grassroots level.
Another key area of discussion was the obligation of police officers to inform the Child Welfare Committee within 24 hours of registering cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The importance of timely submission of mandatory documentation, including Form A, Form B and the Social Background Report, was reiterated. Officers were reminded that adherence to timelines and procedural accuracy is essential to ensure that children receive immediate care, protection and legal support as mandated by law.
The workshop also covered the role of police officers in preparing social background reports under the Juvenile Justice Act. Participants were sensitised to the importance of conducting thorough and empathetic assessments that reflect the child’s family environment, socio-economic conditions and psychological needs. Such reports, it was emphasised, play a crucial role in enabling Child Welfare Committees and Juvenile Justice Boards to take informed decisions in the best interests of the child.
Inter-Departmental Coordination and Strengthening of Child-Centric Policing
A significant portion of the workshop was devoted to enhancing coordination between the police and other key stakeholders involved in child protection. Discussions highlighted the need for seamless information sharing and cooperation between law enforcement, health services, probation officers, labour enforcement authorities and child welfare institutions. Officers were instructed to ensure that bail notices issued by the High Court in cases involving accused persons under the POCSO Act are communicated in a timely manner to the Child Welfare Committee as well as to the complainant or victim, in accordance with legal provisions.
The meeting also addressed the importance of victim-centric and child-friendly procedures during investigation and legal processes. Officers were encouraged to adopt a sensitive approach while interacting with children and their families, ensuring that legal procedures do not cause further trauma. The role of Child Welfare Police Officers as a crucial link between the police system and child protection services was underlined, with instructions to strictly adhere to their designated responsibilities.
Several senior officials and experts contributed to the discussions, offering insights from their respective domains. The Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, K.C. Birmani, shared perspectives on procedural expectations from the police and the importance of timely and accurate documentation. The Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tikamlal, highlighted the role of medical examination and timely reporting in cases involving child victims, particularly under the POCSO Act.
The District Probation Officer, Manoj Pushkar, spoke on rehabilitation measures, shelter provisions and long-term care planning for children rescued from vulnerable situations. Labour Enforcement Officer Dr S.P. Singh addressed issues related to child labour, stressing the need for coordinated inspections and enforcement actions. Rinki Singh, Manager of the One Stop Centre, highlighted the support services available for women and child victims, including counselling, legal aid and temporary shelter. Adnan, Coordinator of the Child Helpline in Gautam Buddh Nagar, shared operational challenges and emphasised the importance of prompt police response to helpline referrals.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Manisha Singh, while addressing the participants, stressed that child protection is a shared responsibility requiring consistent coordination, legal awareness and accountability at every level. She directed officers to intensify awareness campaigns related to the Juvenile Justice Act and POCSO provisions across the district, ensuring that both officials and the public are informed about child rights and reporting mechanisms. Instructions were also issued to regularly review pending cases and ensure strict compliance with legal timelines and procedural safeguards.
The workshop reflected the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissionerate’s commitment to strengthening institutional mechanisms for child safety and welfare. By bringing together enforcement agencies, administrative departments and support organisations on a common platform, the initiative aimed to reinforce a child-centric policing approach rooted in legal compliance, sensitivity and inter-agency cooperation, ensuring that the rights and dignity of children remain at the forefront of law enforcement efforts in the district.
