DMK Member Tiruchi Siva on Tuesday urged the government to spread awareness about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences(POCSO) Act in all schools across the country.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Siva stated that according to the data of the National Crime Records Bureau(NCRB), over 40,000 cases have been registered so far under this act. These incidents of sexual abuse on children below 18 years leave them in mental trauma for a long.

He also said that the schools do not have adequate mechanisms to spread awareness about this act, therefore, all the teachers and students must be made aware of its provisions.

The DMK lawmaker also said that only 35 per cent of schools and 32 per cent of students are aware of the provisions of the act, therefore, it should be made compulsory in all schools so that sexual offence against children is effectively prevented.

IUML MP Abdul Wahab raised the issue of the non-availability of ships for Lakshadweep from Kochi. During the pandemic period, the number of ships was reduced but as of now, the number of ships has not been increased. Now people have to wait for weeks to go to Lakshadweep. He requested the government to restore at least five ships as of now as this also affects tourism in UT. (AS/IANS)

Keywords: (DMK, Tiruchi Siva, Rajya Sabha, POCSO act, Children, sexual offence)