Question

Which unique preventive measures is mandated under the POCSO Act?

• A. Mandatory reporting by all citizens
• B. Digital surveillance
• C. Background checks for all professionals involved with child care, directly or indirectly
• D. Psychological profiling of children

Hint:

Remember that the POCSO Act shifts the responsibility of child protection from just the family or the state to the entire society. The provision of mandatory reporting (Section 19) and the penalization for non-reporting (Section 21) are key to this societal approach.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Core Idea:
The question concerns a distinctive preventive measure mandated by the POCSO Act, focusing on a specific duty to prevent or report child abuse.
Step 2: Breakdown:

(A) Mandatory Reporting by All: This is the key preventive measure. Section 19(1) of the Act requires any individual (including a child) with concerns or knowledge of potential or actual sexual abuse of a child to report it to the Special Juvenile Police Unit or local police. Failure to report is a punishable offense under Section 21, establishing a legal obligation for every citizen.
(B) Digital Surveillance: This is not a mandated element of the Act.
(C) Background Checks: While common practice and a requirement under the JJ Act for childcare institutions, the universal reporting requirement of the POCSO Act is its most unique feature.
(D) Psychological Profiling: This is not a provision of the Act. The focus is on offender actions and child protection, not child profiling.
Step 3: Conclusion:
The mandatory reporting by every citizen of any suspicion or knowledge of a sexual offense against a child is a unique and effective preventive measure within the POCSO Act.