The Union Cabinet approved amendments in POCSO Act to make punishment more stringent for sexual crimes against children

The Union Cabinet approved an amendment to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.

The Bill, which had been introduced earlier but lapsed in Parliament when the Lok Sabha was dissolved in May, was approved by the Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said.

The Bill provides for stringent punishment, including death, for sexual assault of children, as well as fines and jail terms for child pornography.