Srinagar, Oct 16, : The tenure of existing Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) and Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) in Jammu and Kashmir has reached its extended expiry date without the new bodies having been constituted, prompting the Directorate of Mission Vatsalya to direct district officials to take over and securely preserve their official records.
An official communication issued on October 13 by Mission Director Mission Vatsalya, Rubina Kausar (JKAS), to all District Child Protection Officers (DCPOS) states that the tenure of most CWCs and JJBs expired on April 15, 2026. The government had subsequently granted a six-month extension to the existing chairpersons and members through Government Order No. 62-JK (SWD) of 2026, dated April 20, under Rules 5 and 15 of the Jammu and Kashmir Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules, 2021.
The extension was due to expire on October 13, 2026, while the new committees and boards were still awaiting constitution, according to the communication.
In view of the situation, the Mission Directorate has directed all DCPOS to take over and ensure the safe custody of official files, records, registers, case files and other documents relating to the functioning of CWCs and JJBs in their respective districts.
The directive requires the takeover to be carried out systematically and documented properly, with verification, preservation and secure custody of all records. Particular emphasis has been placed on maintaining the confidentiality of records concerning children and ensuring that the documents remain available to competent authorities whenever required.
The communication also outlines interim arrangements for handling matters involving children in need of care and protection (CNCP). Such matters are to be attended to by the concerned Protection Officers for institutional and non-institutional care, along with supporting staff, under the overall supervision of the District Child Protection Officer.
For matters concerning children in conflict with law (CICL), the Principal Magistrates of the Juvenile Justice Boards are to be assisted by the concerned Legal-cum-Probation Officers and other supporting staff of the respective District Child Protection Units, as required, to facilitate the discharge of their responsibilities and maintain continuity of essential functions until the new boards and committees are constituted.
All District Child Protection Officers have been directed to comply strictly with the instructions and submit a compliance report to the Mission Directorate upon completion of the records takeover. [KNT]
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