Mann Government Bolsters Child Rights and Juvenile Justice with New Research Report
Chandigarh, May 20
A Step Forward in Child Protection
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is intensifying efforts to strengthen child rights protection and enhance the juvenile justice system across the state. In a significant move, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur released a detailed 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” on May 20, 2025.
Dignitaries at the Event
The release event was attended by several key figures, including:
- Mrs. Raji P. Shrivastava, Special Chief Secretary, Social Security, Women and Child Development Department
- Kanwardeep Singh, Chairperson, Punjab State Commission for Protection of Child Rights
- Prof. Karamjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala
- Dr. Shena Aggarwal, Director, Social Security, Women and Child Development Department
- Vimmi Bhullar, Secretary, Punjab State Child Rights Commission
- Rajwinder Singh Gill, Joint Director
Research Objectives and Insights
Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted that the research project was commissioned by the Punjab State Commission for Protection of Child Rights to Punjabi University, Patiala. Its primary goal was to conduct a state-wide evaluation of the restoration procedures and institutional responses under the Juvenile Justice Act.
Authored by Principal Investigator Dr. Gautam Sood, with contributions from gender specialist Dr. Prerna Singh and research assistant Jasmeen Kaur, the report offers an in-depth analysis of the institutional frameworks and rehabilitation mechanisms for children in conflict with the law. Dr. Sood, presenting the key findings, stressed the importance of capacity building, stakeholder sensitization, and service convergence. He emphasized, “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.”
Commitment to Action
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Baljit Kaur reaffirmed the Punjab Government’s steadfast commitment to child protection. She stated, “This study brings essential focus on the gaps and opportunities within our juvenile justice system. Its findings will play a vital role in enhancing rehabilitation responses to juvenile delinquency in Punjab.” The Minister also assured that the state would act on the report’s key recommendations to improve the system.
Focus on Child Rights Integration
Chairperson Kanwardeep Singh praised the research team’s efforts, noting that the report underscores the need for deeper integration of child rights within the justice system. He asserted, “Every child, irrespective of their involvement in any judicial process, must have their rights fully protected.” His remarks highlighted the importance of ensuring a child-centric approach in all justice-related interventions.
A Vision for a Safer Future for Children
The release of this comprehensive report marks a significant step in Punjab’s journey toward a more robust juvenile justice system. By addressing gaps and implementing the report’s recommendations, the Mann Government aims to create a safer, more supportive environment for children in conflict with the law, ensuring their rights are upheld and their rehabilitation is prioritized.
