Meaning and Legal Basis
A grant-in-aid in the context of juvenile justice in India refers to financial assistance provided by the Central Government to authorities and institutions responsible for implementing the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. The primary legal provision for this is Section 72 of the Act.
Section 72: Grants by Central Government
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The Central Government is empowered to allocate funds (grants-in-aid) to the Juvenile Justice Authority from money specifically appropriated by Parliament for this purpose.
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These funds are intended to support the functioning of the Authority, including the care, protection, rehabilitation, and social reintegration of children in conflict with the law and children in need of care and protection.
Purpose and Utilization
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The grants-in-aid are used to establish and maintain child care institutions, support rehabilitation programs, ensure legal aid, provide educational and vocational training, and facilitate adoption and foster care services.
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The funding helps ensure that the objectives of the Act—such as providing a child-friendly approach to adjudication and rehabilitation—are met effectively.
Oversight and Accountability
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The money granted is drawn from funds specifically approved by Parliament, ensuring transparency and legal oversight.
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The use of these funds is monitored to guarantee that they are spent solely for the purposes laid out in the Juvenile Justice Act.
Summary Table
| Provision | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Basis | Section 72, Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 |
| Source of Funds | Central Government, with Parliamentary approval |
| Purpose | Support for care, protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration of children |
| Oversight | Parliamentary appropriation and monitoring |
In summary, grant-in-aid under the Juvenile Justice Act in India is a mechanism for the Central Government to provide financial resources to juvenile justice authorities and institutions, ensuring the effective implementation of child protection and rehabilitation measures as mandated by law.