Introduction
A State-Level Stakeholders’ Consultation on the “Effective Implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 and the POCSO Act, 2012 with Specific Focus on Safeguarding the Girl Child: Towards a Safer and Enabling Environment for Her in Uttar Pradesh” was held on 7-09-2025 at Judicial Training & Research Institute (JTRI), Lucknow. This important initiative was organised under the aegis of the High Court Juvenile Justice Committee in collaboration with UNICEF, Lucknow.
The consultation aimed to deliberate on effective strategies for safeguarding the rights of the girl child and ensuring an enabling environment through better implementation of child protection laws in Uttar Pradesh.
Participation
The event witnessed the participation of a wide range of stakeholders, including:
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All District Judges of Uttar Pradesh
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POCSO Judges
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Principal Magistrates of Juvenile Justice Boards from 31 districts
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Officials from Child Care Institutions
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Children residing in such institutions
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Senior Government officials and representatives from UNICEF
Inaugural Session
The inaugural session was held from 09:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Nalanda Auditorium, JTRI. The programme was formally inaugurated by Justice Arun Bhansali, Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, in the august presence of:
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Justice Rajan Roy, Senior Judge, Allahabad High Court at Lucknow
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Justice Ajay Bhanot, Judge, Allahabad High Court & Chairman, High Court Juvenile Justice Committee
Distinguished dignitaries including Ms. Leena Johri, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Women and Child Development (DWCD), Government of Uttar Pradesh, and Dr. Zakari Adam, Chief, Field Office, UNICEF, also graced the dais.
The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge and commitment towards child welfare.
Key Addresses
Justice Arun Bhansali, Chief Justice, Allahabad High Court
Chief Justice Bhansali began his keynote address with a powerful quote by Mahatma Gandhi:
“If we are to reach real peace in this world, we shall have to begin with the children.”
He emphasised that safeguarding the girl child is not an act of charity but a moral and constitutional obligation. Stressing on the role of judiciary, government, and society in child protection, he lauded the consultation for bringing together all stakeholders under one roof.
Justice Rajan Roy, Senior Judge, Allahabad High Court, Lucknow
Justice Rajan Roy remarked that stagnant social attitudes are at the root of issues affecting the girl child. He emphasised the need for moral education, societal reform, and exemplary personal conduct, alongside strong legal frameworks, to truly protect and uplift young girls.
Justice Ajay Bhanot, Judge, Allahabad High Court & Chairman, High Court Juvenile Justice Committee
Justice Bhanot highlighted the transformational potential of such consultations and the shift in governance towards child rights. He particularly spoke about the new pedagogy for child development designed in collaboration with Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), which integrates education with emotional and social growth. He quoted:
“It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”
Ms. Leena Johri, IAS, Principal Secretary, DWCD, Government of Uttar Pradesh
Ms. Johri reaffirmed the Government’s strong commitment to child protection and highlighted several initiatives, including Mission Vatsalya and Mission Shakti, aimed at empowerment and rehabilitation of the girl child.
Dr. Zakari Adam, Chief, Field Office, UNICEF
Dr. Adam praised the consultation as a participatory and multi-stakeholder effort towards effective implementation of child protection laws. He stressed the importance of risk identification, child-friendly procedures, and institutional accountability.
Special Visual Presentation
A visual presentation titled “Nayi Rahein, Naye Sapne” was screened, highlighting stories of transformation within Child Care Institutions through the incorporation of:
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Yoga and meditation
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Computer and art classes
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Gardening and outdoor activities
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Soft skills and theatre
These initiatives aim to foster a holistic development environment for children.
Key Launches and Collaborations
The event also witnessed the launch of several significant initiatives:
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Release of the second edition of UDAAN
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Launch of the official website of the High Court Juvenile Justice Committee
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Inauguration of 52 libraries across 32 districts in Child Care Institutions
Additionally, the Department of Women and Child Development (DWCD), U.P., signed MoUs with:
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Lucknow University
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Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Lucknow
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Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur
These collaborations aim to provide academic, psychological, and skill-based support to children, particularly those in institutional care, to foster successful reintegration into society.
Welcome and Vote of Thanks
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Mr. Divesh Chandra Samant, Director, JTRI, welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the relevance of the consultation.
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Mr. Mayank Tripathi, Registrar (Digitization), Allahabad High Court, delivered the Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants, partners, and organizers.
Conclusion
This consultation marked a significant step forward in building an ecosystem that protects, nurtures, and empowers the girl child. It provided a common platform for judiciary, government agencies, child rights bodies, and academia to work in coordination towards ensuring justice, safety, and dignity for every child in Uttar Pradesh.
