National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)

About National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)

• The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is a statutory body constituted to protect, promote and defend child rights in the country.
• Established: It was constituted under Section 3 of the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005.
• Constituted By: It is constituted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
• Target Group: It protects the rights of children below 18 years of age.
  • It also focuses on children in distress, marginalized and disadvantaged children, children in conflict with law, and children without family.
• Composition
  • Members: The Commission consists of a Chairperson and six Members, of whom at least two must be women.
  • Appointment: The Central Government appoints the Chairperson.
    • The appointment is made on the recommendation of a three-member selection committee chaired by the Minister in charge of the Ministry or Department dealing with children.
  • Expertise: Members are selected for expertise in education, child health and development, juvenile justice, care of marginalised children or children with disabilities, elimination of child labour, child psychology or sociology, and laws relating to children.
  • Tenure and Age Limits: The Chairperson and Members may serve for a maximum of two terms.
    • The maximum age is 65 years for the Chairperson and 60 years for Members.
• Core Mandate
  • Legal Safeguards: It reviews legal safeguards for children and recommends measures for their effective implementation.
  • Child Rights Violations: It inquires into complaints and takes suo motu notice of deprivation or violation of child rights and non-implementation of protective laws.
  • Protection and Inspection: It investigates violations, inspects institutions where children are detained or housed, and recommends remedial action.
  • Policies and Awareness: It studies treaties and policies, promotes research and child-rights literacy, and encourages consideration of children’s views.
  • Law Monitoring: It monitors specified safeguards under the RTE Act, 2009, POCSO Act, 2012, and Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act.
  • Child Care Institutions: It monitors Child Care Institutions (CCIs) and carries out their social audit as directed by the Supreme Court.
• Powers
  • Civil Court Powers: Summon persons, examine them on oath, require documents, receive evidence on affidavits and requisition public records.
  • Legal Action: Recommend prosecution or other action against persons responsible for serious violations.
  • Judicial and Relief Measures: Approach the Supreme Court or High Court and recommend interim relief to victims or their families.

Initiatives Taken by NCPCR

• POCSO e-Box: An online mechanism for reporting cases of child sexual abuse under the POCSO Act.
• e-BaalNidaan: An online complaint management system for registering and tracking complaints relating to violations of child rights.
• Baal Swaraj – CiSS Application: A platform to identify children in street situations and facilitate their rescue and rehabilitation.
• POCSO Tracking Portal: A system for real-time tracking of child sexual abuse cases, including rehabilitation and victim-support services.
• MASI App: A monitoring application for seamless and real-time inspection of Child Care Institutions.
• GHAR – GO: A portal for digitally monitoring and tracking the restoration and repatriation of children.
• Samvardhan: An exercise for vulnerability mapping to combat child trafficking.
• Quick Response Cell (QRC): A mechanism for quick intervention and rescue in situations involving children in distress.