Punjab's government unveils a key report focusing on juvenile justice enhancement

The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, continues to take significant steps towards safeguarding child rights and strengthening the juvenile justice system in the state. In a major initiative in this direction, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur released a comprehensive research report titled "Juvenile Delinquency and Institutional Framework: An Evaluation of Restoration Mechanisms under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 in Punjab."

The event witnessed the presence of Special Chief Secretary, Social Security, Women and Child Development Department, Mrs. Raji P. Shrivastava; Chairperson, Punjab State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Mr. Kanwardeep Singh; Vice-Chancellor of Punjabi University, Patiala, Prof. Karamjeet Singh; Director, Social Security, Women and Child Development Department, Dr. Shena Aggarwal; Secretary of the Punjab State Child Rights Commission, Mrs. Vimmi Bhullar; and Joint Director, Mr. Rajwinder Singh Gill, among others.

The Cabinet Minister informed that this research project was commissioned by the Punjab State Commission for Protection of Child Rights to Punjabi University, Patiala, with the objective of conducting a comprehensive state-wide evaluation of the restoration procedures and institutional responses under the Juvenile Justice Act.

Further elaborating, Dr. Baljit Kaur mentioned that the report, authored by Principal Investigator and Assistant Professor Dr. Gautam Sood, with contributions from gender specialist Dr. Prerna Singh and research assistant Mrs. Jasmeen Kaur, presents an in-depth, state-wide study. It evaluates institutional frameworks and rehabilitation mechanisms available for children in conflict with the law under the Juvenile Justice Act.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Baljit Kaur reaffirmed the Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to child protection and reiterated the state’s resolve to act upon the key recommendations of the report.

“This study brings essential focus on the gaps and opportunities within our juvenile justice system. Its findings will lead us in enhancing rehabilitation responses to juvenile offences in Punjab,” said the Minister.

Presenting the study’s key highlights, Dr. Gautam Sood emphasized the importance of capacity building, service convergence, and sensitization of stakeholders. He stated, “This evaluation highlights the critical role of institutional coordination, community-based interventions, and the fundamental values of restorative justice for children in conflict with the law.”

Commending the research team’s efforts, Chairperson Mr. Kanwardeep Singh remarked that the report underscores the need to deepen the integration of child rights within the justice system. He stressed that every child, irrespective of their involvement in any judicial process, must have their rights fully protected.