<span style="color: #222222;">The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill – 2019 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha today. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The Bill seeks to amend the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act- 2012 which will make punishment more stringent for committing sexual crimes against children including death penalty. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The amendments also provide for levy of fines and imprisonment to curb child pornography. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The amendment is expected to discourage the trend of child sexual abuse by acting as a deterrent due to strong penal provisions incorporated in the Act. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">It intends to protect the interest of vulnerable children in times of distress and ensures their safety and dignity. The Bill was introduced by Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani.</span>