The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) was established in 2005, following the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005. However, it became operational in March 2007. It works under the aegis of the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The organisation was established to protect and promote child rights.
The commission is presided over by a chairperson, who has done outstanding work in promoting the welfare of children. Besides, there are six members, of which two are women well-versed in child welfare. The members are appointed by the Central government.
Monitor implementation
The Commission is empowered to monitor the proper and effective implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012; Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015; and Right to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009.
It is responsible for ensuring that the laws and administrative systems conform to the vision of the rights of the child as stated in India's Constitution as well as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which India ratified in 1992.
The organisation reviews existing policies and programmes on child rights and makes recommendations for their effective implementation.
It also looks into issues related to children in need of special care and protection, such as children in distress, disadvantaged children, children in conflict with the law, juveniles without families, and children of prisoners. It examines factors that affect the rights of children via terrorism, communal violence, riots, natural disaster, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, trafficking, maltreatment, torture and exploitation, pornography and prostitution, and recommend appropriate remedial measures. NCPCR is responsible for inspecting juvenile custodial homes and institutions meant for children that are under the control of the Central government or any State government or any other authority.
In the last couple of years, the NCPCR has complained against political parties for "misusing" children as "political tools" for campaigns.
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