Today in History (September 14^th, 1953)

Andhra Pradesh was established. Hyderabad became the capital instead of Karnul.

Let’s Revise

A) Who, recently, told the Supreme Court that madrasas are “unsuitable or unfit” places for children to receive “proper education”?

1. UPSC
2. NCPCR
3. Ministry of Home Affairs
4. NCRB

Answer: b)
Rationale: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), the top child rights protection body in the country. It has told the Supreme Court that madrasas are “unsuitable or unfit” places for children to receive “proper education”.
B) Regarding Madarsas the NCPCR has highlighted issues of ____

1. Curriculum, eligibility of teachers,
2. Opaque funding, violation of land laws
3. Only curriculum
4. All of the above

Answer: d)
Rationale: The NCPCR highlighted issues of curriculum, eligibility of teachers, opaque funding, violation of land laws, and failure to provide children a holistic environment as problems associated with madrasas. “The teachers appointed in madrasas are largely dependent on the conventional methods used in learning Koran and other religious texts.
C) Providing Islamic religious education to non-Muslims was a violation of Article____

1. 12
2. 13
3. 33
4. 28

Answer: d)
Rationale: Providing Islamic religious education to non-Muslims was a violation of Article 28(3) of the Constitution, which upholds the right against forced participation in religious instruction or worship.

Summary of Today’s News

National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)

The Government of India established the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) under the CPCR Act of 2005. This commission is responsible for safeguarding and promoting children’s rights.
The NCPCR also ensures the effective implementation of the following laws:
• Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012
• Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
• Right to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009
Additionally, India joined the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1992, an international treaty that requires member countries to protect the rights of children as outlined in the convention.

Composition of NCPCR
Appointment:
• The Central government appoints the Chairperson and Members of the Commission.
• The Chairperson is recommended by a three-member committee led by the Minister of Education.
Removal:
• The Central Government can remove the Chairperson or any Member if they:
• Are declared insolvent.
• Take up paid work outside their official duties.
• Refuse to act or become unable to act.
• Are declared of unsound mind by a court.
• Abuse their office, harming public interest.
• Are convicted of a crime involving moral wrongdoing.
Note: No one can be removed without being given a chance to be heard.
NCPCR Functions and Responsibilities
Functions of NCPCR:
• Review Safeguards: Check and suggest improvements for existing child rights protections.
• Report to Government: Regularly update the central government on how well these protections are working.
• Investigate Violations: Look into child rights violations and suggest legal actions.
• Review Policies: Assess and recommend improvements for child rights policies and programs.
• Promote Research: Encourage studies on child rights.
• Raise Awareness: Spread information about child rights through publications, media, and seminars.
• Inspect Institutions: Visit places where children are kept, like juvenile homes, and suggest necessary actions.
• Handle Complaints: Investigate complaints and take action on issues related to child rights violations and law implementation failures.
Additional Responsibilities:
• RTE Act, 2009: Ensure the rights under the Right to Education Act are protected and suggest improvements.
• POCSO Act, 2012: Monitor the setup of Special Courts and the creation of guidelines under the POCSO Act.
• Child Care Institutions: Oversee Child Care Institutions and conduct social audits as directed by the Supreme Court.
NCPCR Powers
Investigation Powers:
• The Commission has the same powers as a Civil Court when investigating, including:
• Summoning and questioning anyone in India under oath.
• Asking for and examining documents.
• Accepting evidence given in written statements (affidavits).
• Requesting public records from any court or office.
• Appointing people to examine witnesses and documents.
Actions After Inquiry:
• After investigating, the Commission can:
• Recommend legal action against the person involved.
• Ask the Supreme Court or High Court for orders or directions.
• Suggest interim relief (temporary help) for the victim or their family.
What are the various initiatives taken by NCPCR to carry out its mandate?
NCPCR Initiatives:
POCSO e-Box:
• An online tool for reporting child sexual abuse.
• Helps children report crimes directly to NCPCR.
• Ensures quick action against offenders under the POCSO Act, 2012.
Samvardhan:
• A program to map vulnerable areas and combat child trafficking.
• Works alongside other existing mechanisms.
MASI App:
• An app for real-time monitoring of Child Care Institutions (CCIs) across India.
• Ensures seamless inspections.
GHAR – GO:
• A portal called GHAR – GO Home and Re-Unite.
• Tracks and monitors the restoration and repatriation of children digitally.
Challenges and Limitations:
• Limited Enforcement: NCPCR can suggest actions to government agencies, but it can’t always ensure these actions are taken.
• Limited Resources: NCPCR doesn’t have enough money or staff, which makes it hard to do its job well.
• No Time Frame: There’s no set deadline for completing investigations or enquiries.
• Too Many Issues: There are many problems affecting children in India, and NCPCR may not have enough resources to address all of them effectively.
What are the key recommendations for the effective functioning of NCPCR?
• Increase Funding: Provide NCPCR with more money to help it do its job better.
• Strengthen Legal Powers: Give NCPCR more authority, like the ability to issue binding orders and fines, to take stronger action against child rights violations.
• Raise Awareness: Increase awareness about NCPCR and its services, especially in disadvantaged and marginalized communities.
• Enhance Enforcement: Give NCPCR more power to ensure its recommendations are followed by government agencies and other organizations.
• Empower Children: Focus on involving and empowering children in NCPCR’s work and decision-making processes.