National Commission For Protection Of Child Rights: Objectives, Composition

• Autonomous, Statutory (and not constitutional) body established under the National Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005. Constituted in 2007 for protecting, promoting and safeguarding child rights.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Women and Child Development.

• Child Rights: Children’s rights were adopted in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN CRC, 1989) and ratified by the Government of India (1992).
• Child: A human being less than 18 years of age. (Convention on Child Rights definition)

• Review the constitutional and legal safeguards for children
• Ensure that all laws, policies, programmes and administrative mechanisms align with the child rights perspective constitutionally and as under the UN CRC.
• Facilitate the redressal of grievances about the violation of child rights.

• Multi-member body nominated by the Central Government (MoWCD).
• Chairperson: Person of eminence, done outstanding work for promoting the welfare of children; appointed on the recommendation of a 3-member selection committee constituted by the Central Government. (Chairman: Minister-in-charge of the Ministry or the Department of Women and Child Development).
• 6 Members:  Persons of ability, integrity and standing who have had experience in education; Child healthcare, welfare or child development; Juvenile justice or case of neglected or marginalised children or children with disabilities; Elimination of child labour or children in distress; Child psychology or sociology; and  Laws relating to children.

• At Least 2 should be women

• Salaries, Allowances and Other Service Conditions: Prescribed by the Central Government; cannot be varied to their disadvantage after their appointment.

• 3 years (Not appointed for more than 2 terms)
• Upper age limit for holding office:
  • Chairperson: 65 years
  • Members: 60 years

• Examination and Review: of all matters relating to the legal safeguards for child rights protection and inquire into its violations
• Annual Reporting: Present report to the Central Government annually and at such other times as it may deem fit.
• Analysis of Factors: Examine all factors that inhibit the enjoyment of rights of children; recommend remedial measures.
• Special Care: Look into matters relating to children in need of special care.
• Examination of Treaties: Study treaties and other international instruments and undertake periodical review of existing policies
• Undertake and promote research in the field of child rights.
• Literacy and Awareness: Spread child rights literacy and promote awareness regarding safeguards available.
• Inspection of Juvenile Custodial Homes: Inspect any juvenile custodial home or any other place of residence or institution (under the control of the Central/ state government, or other authority, including an institution run by a social organization) where children are detained/ lodged; take up remedial actions.
• Suo Motu Powers: Inquire and take suo moto notice of matters relating to:
  • Deprivation of child rights.
  • Non-implementation of laws enacted to provide protection and development of children.
  • Non-compliance with policy decisions or instructions aimed at mitigating hardships and ensuring welfare, providing relief to children.
• Perform other functions necessary for the promotion of child rights.
• Limitations on Inquiries: It must be noted here that the Commission is prohibited from inquiring into any matter which is pending before a State Commission for Protection of Child Rights or any other Statutory Commission.

• The Commission presents an annual/special report to the Central/state government. 
• All such reports are laid before respective legislatures, along with a memorandum. (action taken on the recommendation made by the Commission.)
• The memorandum contains the reasons for non-acceptance of any of such recommendations within 1 year.

the following steps:

• Initiation of Proceedings: Recommend initiation of proceedings against a person to the concerned government/authority.
• Seeking Judicial Intervention: Approach SC/HC concerned for necessary directions, orders or writs.
• Relief: Recommend to concerned government/authority for grant of interim relief to victims.

• Examine/Review: safeguards for rights provided by/under this Act; recommend measures for effective implementation.
• Inquire into complaints relating to a child’s right to free and compulsory education (enjoys the same powers as assigned to it under the protection of the Child Rights Act, 2005)
• Take necessary steps after completion of an inquiry.

The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection)

Act, 2015

• Monitor the implementation of the provisions of the Act.
• The commission, while inquiring into any matter relating to any offence under the Act, have the same powers as are vested in it under the Commission for the Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005. 
• Shall include its activities under this Act in the annual report referred to in the Commissions for the Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005.