National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)
Context:
- National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) organized a National level meeting, on Identification, Rescue and Rehabilitation of Children in Street Situations with NGOs/CSOs and UN agencies for seeking assistance from them.
- The meeting was organized in connection with Hon’ble Supreme Court’s directions on the issue of identification and rehabilitation of Children in Street Situations.
About NCPCR:
- Set up in March 2007 under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005.
- It works under the administrative control of the Ministry of Women & Child Development.
- Definition: The Child is defined as a person in the 0 to 18 years age group.
- The Commission’s Mandate is to ensure that all Laws, Policies, Programmes, and Administrative Mechanisms are in consonance with the Child Rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Powers conferred on NCPCR:
- Inquire into complaints about violation of the law.
- Summon an individual and demand evidence.
- Seek a magisterial enquiry.
- File a writ petition in the High Court or Supreme Court.
- Approach the government concerned for prosecution of the offender.
- Recommend interim relief to those affected.
Composition:
- This commission has a chairperson and six members of which at least two should be women.
- All of them are appointed by Central Government for three years.
- The maximum age to serve in commission is 65 years for Chairman and 60 years for members.
Source: THE HINDU.
