Write briefly on the following: Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO); Juvenile Justice Act; Persons with Disabilities Act (PwD Act); National Trust Act; Mental Health Act

I. Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO)

POCSO Act, 2012 provides a child-friendly legal framework to address sexual assault, harassment, and pornography involving minors. It mandates Special Courts, in-camera trials, mandatory reporting, and stringent penalties. Amendments in 2019 introduced harsher punishments including death penalty. States like Haryana run POCSO Awareness Drives and child helplines for early reporting.

II. Juvenile Justice Act

The JJ Act, 2015 ensures care, protection, and rehabilitation of children. It classifies juveniles into in conflict with law and in need of care. For heinous crimes, 16–18-year-olds may be tried as adults after assessment. It promotes adoption, foster care, and Child Welfare Committees. Haryana has functional Child Care Institutions under the Act.

III. Persons with Disabilities Act (PwD Act)

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 expands recognized disabilities to 21 categories and ensures reservation in jobs (4%), inclusive education, barrier-free access, and anti-discrimination protections. Government institutions must be accessible. Haryana conducts disability mapping and provides livelihood support through Haryana Divyang Yojana.

IV. National Trust Act

The National Trust Act, 1999 supports persons with autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual and multiple disabilities through schemes like Samarth (residential care), Disha (day care), and Gharaunda (lifelong support). It provides legal guardianship and promotes community-based care. Haryana NGOs run several National Trust-affiliated centres.

V. Mental Health Act

The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 guarantees mental health as a right. It mandates affordable treatment, protects patient autonomy, and decriminalizes suicide attempts. It establishes Mental Health Review Boards for grievance redressal. Haryana has expanded district mental health programs and tele-counselling services to implement the Act.