Assam Government Reconstitutes Special Juvenile Police Units to Enhance Child Welfare

Dispur, Assam: In a significant move to bolster child protection and welfare across the state, the Assam Government, under the direction of the Governor, has issued a notification reconstituting the Special Juvenile Police Units (SJPUs). This development, dated 28th August 2023, replaces a previous notification from February 2019, signifying the government's commitment to evolving strategies for safeguarding children.

The reconstitution of SJPUs is carried out in compliance with Section 107 (2) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and Rule 86 (1) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Model Rules, 2016. The new structure ensures the presence of these specialized units in each district and city Police of Assam, greatly extending the reach of child welfare efforts.

A total of 37 districts and cities within Assam will benefit from this restructuring, each with its dedicated Special Juvenile Police Unit. This move signifies a critical step towards enhancing child protection mechanisms throughout the state.

Under this reconstitution, the following districts and cities are now equipped with Special Juvenile Police Units:

1. Bajali

2. Baksa

3. Barpeta

4. Bongaigaon

5. Biswanath

6. Cachar

7. Charaideo

8. Chirang

9. City Guwahati

10. Darrang

11. Dhemaji

12. Dhubri

13. Dibrugarh

14. Dima Hasao

15. Goalpara

16. Golaghat

17. GRP (Government Railway Police)

18. Hailakandi

19. Hamren

20. Hojai

21. Jorhat

22. Kamrup

23. Karbi Anglong

24. Karimganj

25. Kokrajhar

26. Majuli

27. Morigaon

28. Nagaon

29. Nalbari

30. North Lakhimpur

31. Sivasagar

32. Sonitpur

33. South Salmara

34. Tamulpur

35. Tinsukia

36. Udalguri

37. Sadiya (Police District)

These Special Juvenile Police Units will be spearheaded by a Nodal Officer with a rank of DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police) or above, ensuring that these units are led by experienced and qualified personnel. Each unit will also comprise Child Welfare Police Officers (CWPO) designated under Section 107 (1) of the Juvenile Justice Act, along with two Social Workers, one of whom must be a woman, preferably from the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) of the respective district.

The inclusion of CWPOs and Social Workers with experience in child rights is a significant step towards providing a holistic approach to child welfare, emphasizing the importance of gender balance in these units.

Child Welfare Police Officers, according to the Juvenile Justice Act, may hold the rank of ASI (Assistant Sub-Inspector) or above, ensuring that the units have officers with sufficient authority to address child-related issues effectively.

This reconstitution of Special Juvenile Police Units showcases the Assam Government's commitment to ensuring the safety, protection, and welfare of children in the state. It reflects a proactive approach to addressing child-related concerns and reinforces the government's commitment to its responsibilities under the Juvenile Justice Act.

With these enhanced units now operational, Assam is better poised to provide comprehensive care and protection to its young citizens, setting an example for child welfare initiatives across the country.