In a first, J&K to have Commission for Protection of Child Rights

Srinagar, Oct 29: In a first, Jammu and Kashmir is set to have Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCRs).

Officials informed that the central government has already set up SCPCRs in all states and union territories except the UTs of J&K and Ladakh.

   

A step towards constituting the Commission, the Social Welfare Department has framed the draft rules titled as ‘Commission for Protection of Child Rights 2021’ under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act 2005 for overall care and protection of children.

The department has put the draft rules in public domain and sought suggestions, feedback from public authorities, philanthropists, stakeholders, NGOs and individuals closely connected with child rights.

A copy of draft rules reads that the Commission will be headed by a chairperson and members who will handle the charges for a period of three years.

It said the Commission will analyze existing law, policy and practice to assess compliance with Convention on the Rights of the Child and “undertake inquiries and produce reports on any aspect of policy and practice affecting children and comment on proposed new legislation from a child rights perspective.”

“The commission will study Union Territory policies that impact children and ensure that they comply with international child rights standards. It will present to the Union Territory Government, National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights and other Union Territory Commissions annually and such other intervals, as the Commission may deem fit, reports upon the working of those safeguards,” it said.

The document reads that the commission will undertake formal investigations where concern has been expressed either by children themselves or by a concerned person on their behalf.

“Ensure that the work of the Commission is directly informed by the views of children in order to reflect their priorities and perspectives,” it said.

The commission as per the document will promote the incorporation of child rights into the school curriculum, teachers training and training of personnel dealing with children. “It will refer cases and issues of national and inter-Union Territory importance to the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights as and when required,” it said.

The commission will also review the plans and programmes of the local government and relevant government departments from the child rights perspective and make appropriate recommendations.

The commission, as per the act, shall have the powers of a civil court and will have to submit annual reports to the state government as well as a special report when an issue needs immediate attention.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

fifteen − 14 =