Ever since the formation of two UTs from the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir, the administration has grappled with efforts to streamline every applicable law in J&K as well. Since the setup of UT is different, new policies have to be implemented. One such important exercise is the formation of the Commission for the Protection of Children’s Rights. Children are the future of any society and they must be safeguarded. More than a month and a half have passed since the announcement of the formation of the Commission, its Chairman and its Members, but no progress has been made. A panel of high-level bureaucrats has been formed to nominate names for the posts of Chairman and Members after due advertisement, interview, and selection, but no file has moved yet. The delay is unacceptable, given that the Commission has to look into existing laws and their practical application given child rights in UT, their impact, and any modifications required keeping in mind the International Child Rights Standards. In addition to this, looking into complaints of violations and deciding on a future course of action, including formal investigations, are all pending in the absence of the Commission. When the parameters for the selection of the Chairman and Members have already been set, the inordinate delay is beyond one’s imagination. As the matter pertains to children, it requires attention from the highest offices to expedite the whole process. Once the Commission takes oath, other aspects of child rights can be looked at, including awareness activities. The Commission is supposed to compile information about child rights, the nature of complaints, and the effectiveness of prevalent laws; provide further directions to incorporate child rights into school curricula; teachers trainings and other persons dealing with children and conduct timely inspections to supervise the said work. All this is dependent on the Commission, which itself is stuck at the first step. Things have to be taken seriously and resolved as soon as possible.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
