The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights

• IAS NEXT, Lucknow
• 07, Mar 2022

Reference News:-

National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) celebrated its 17th Foundation Day, recently.

About the NCPCR:

NCPCR was set up in March 2007 under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005, an Act of Parliament (December 2005).

• The Commission began operational on 5 March 2007.
• NCPCR is a statutory body under the administrative control of the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India.

Mandate:

• 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 also the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Definition of a Child:

Under the CPCR Act, The Child is defined as a person in the 0 to 18 years age group.

Functions of NCPCR:

Under the RTE Act, 2009, the NCPCR can:

• 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 of NCPCR:

• This commission has a chairperson and six members.
• Of which at least two should be women.
• These 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.