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NCPCR Overview and Functions

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is a statutory body established in 2007 under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005. It works to ensure Indian laws and policies are consistent with child rights as defined in the Indian Constitution and UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The NCPCR consists of a Chairperson and six members with experience in fields like education, child welfare, and juvenile justice. Its functions include assessing child rights protections in Indian laws, investigating rights violations, and advocating for child rights.

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659 views3 pages

NCPCR Overview and Functions

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is a statutory body established in 2007 under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005. It works to ensure Indian laws and policies are consistent with child rights as defined in the Indian Constitution and UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The NCPCR consists of a Chairperson and six members with experience in fields like education, child welfare, and juvenile justice. Its functions include assessing child rights protections in Indian laws, investigating rights violations, and advocating for child rights.

Uploaded by

ishantkhare581
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

National Commission for Protection of Child Rights

(NCPCR) - UPSC Notes


The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is a statutory body established in 2007
under an act of Parliament, the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005. In this
article, you can read all about the NCPCR, its functions and importance in relation to child rights in the
country. This is a part of the social justice and also polity sections of the IAS syllabus.

National Commission for Protection of Child Rights [NCPCR]


The NCPCR is a body that works towards achieving a child rights-centric approach in all the laws,
programmes, policies and administrative mechanisms in India. It functions under the Ministry of Women &
Child Development of the central government.

 It strives to ensure that all laws and policies in the country are in consonance with the rights of
children as emphasised by the Indian Constitution as well as with the UN Convention on the Rights
of the Child.
 A child is defined as any person between the ages of 0 and 18 years.
 The Commission acknowledges the universality and inviolability of child rights.
 It focuses on children that form a part of the most vulnerable sections of society.
 The Commission sees every right of the child as equally important and hence, does not grade the
rights according to importance.

NCPCR Constitution

The NCPCR has been constituted by the Government as an act of Parliament as mentioned above. Hence, it
is a statutory organisation. It consists of the following members:

1. Chairperson - Person of eminence and who has an exemplary record of work in child welfare.
2. Six members:
1. A minimum of two women members.
2. Should have experience in the following fields:
1. Education
2. Child health, care, welfare or child development
3. Juvenile justice or care of neglected or marginalized children or children with
disabilities
4. Elimination of child labour or children in distress
5. Child psychology or sociology
6. Laws relating to children

NCPCR Functions
The Act that constituted the NCPCR laid down its functions and mandates, which are enumerated below:

1. Assess and review the safeguards that are provided for child rights protection in India under existing
laws and also suggest measures for implementing them effectively.
2. Present reports on the workings of the laws in this domain to the central government as and when
necessary.
3. Inquire cases of child rights violations and initiate proceedings.
4. Study the factors that prevent the enjoyment of rights of children impacted by terrorism, riots, natural
calamities, communal violence, trafficking, HIV/AIDS, torture and exploitation, maltreatment,
prostitution and pornography, and suggest remedial measures for them.
5. Enquire into the needs of children requiring special care and protection such as disadvantaged and
marginalised children, children in conflict with the law, children of prisoners and children without
families, and also recommend remedial measures thereof.
6. Review current policies with respect to children’s rights and protection by studying treaties and
international instruments and suggest changes as needed.
7. Conduct research in the field of child rights.
8. Advocate child rights and promote/disseminate the idea through mass campaigns, seminars, etc.
9. Undertake investigation into specific complaints received from children or anyone else on their
behalf.
10. Encourage the incorporation of child rights in school curriculums and train teachers in that respect.

The Commission is also mandated with responsibilities under two other acts, namely:

 Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012


 Right to Education Act, 2009

UPSC Questions related to NCPCR

Who is the Chairman of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights?

Stuti Kacker is the chairperson of the NCPCR.

What is the role of the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights under the RTE Act?

Under the RTE Act, the NCPCR has to:

1. Assess and review the safeguards this Act provides for the protection of child rights, and suggest
measures for their effective implementation.
2. Investigate complaints regarding children’s rights with respect to free and compulsory education.

What is the aim of the RTE?

The RTE Act makes it obligatory on the part of the government to ensure admission, attendance and
completion of elementary education by all children falling in the age bracket six to fourteen years.

Common questions

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The NCPCR encourages the inclusion of child rights in school curriculums by advocating and promoting the concept through mass campaigns and seminars. Teachers are trained to incorporate these rights into their teaching, thereby playing a crucial role in embedding child rights awareness in education systems .

Challenges include dealing with unstable environments where laws might be difficult to enforce, inadequate resources for reaching affected children, and the complex nature of vulnerabilities these children face. Additionally, there is a challenge in coordinating with multiple agencies to provide comprehensive care and protection .

NCPCR's engagement with international treaties allows it to align national policies with global standards, ensuring comprehensive protection of child rights. By studying these treaties, the Commission can suggest legislative and policy changes that incorporate international best practices and commitments, potentially leading to more robust child protection measures .

Research activities are vital for understanding the evolving challenges in child rights and for developing evidence-based policies. They help identify gaps in existing frameworks and suggest improvements, thereby ensuring that policies remain relevant and effective in protecting child rights .

Strategies may include targeted programs for disadvantaged groups, collaboration with NGOs for comprehensive outreach, and developing specific policies for inclusion in education and health services. These strategies are necessary to bridge systemic gaps, provide equitable opportunities, and ensure that marginalized children receive adequate protection and support .

The Chairperson plays a pivotal role in guiding the NCPCR's strategic direction and effectiveness. A Chairperson with a background in child welfare or related fields can offer invaluable insights and drive initiatives that address key challenges. Their leadership is crucial for influencing policy, ensuring operational effectiveness, and enhancing the commission’s credibility and influence .

Under the POCSO Act, 2012, the NCPCR is mandated to protect children from sexual offenses and ensure justice in such cases. Under the RTE Act, 2009, the NCPCR is responsible for assessing and reviewing safeguards provided for child rights protection, investigating complaints regarding children's right to free and compulsory education .

The primary function of the NCPCR is to ensure that all laws, programmes, policies, and administrative mechanisms are child rights-centric. This aligns with the Indian Constitution and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child by striving to ensure that children's rights, as emphasized by these guidelines, are universally applicable and inviolable in Indian law and society .

The composition of the NCPCR reflects its objectives by ensuring that members are experienced in fields directly impacting child welfare, such as education, juvenile justice, child health, and child psychology. The six members include at least two women, enhancing the representation of gender perspectives in child rights protection .

Having a statutory body like the NCPCR ensures accountability and provides a formal mechanism for addressing children's rights violations. It can investigate complaints, recommend policy changes, and monitor enforcement, thus playing a crucial role in ensuring children's rights are upheld and violators are held accountable .

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