National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)

Subject – Polity

Context – NCPCR questions UNICEF on plan to screen same-sex films in Bengal schools

Concept –

Set up in March 2007 under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005.
It works under the administrative control of the Ministry of Women & Child Development.
Definition: The Child is defined as a person in the 0 to 18 years age group.
The Commission’s Mandate isto ensure that all Laws, Policies, Programmes, and Administrative Mechanisms are in consonance with the Child Rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and also the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Under the RTE Act, 2009, the NCPCR can:
- inquire into complaints about violation of the law.
- summon an individual and demand evidence.
- seek a magisterial enquiry.
- file a writ petition in the High Court or Supreme Court.
- approach the government concerned for prosecution of the offender.
- recommend interim relief to those affected.
Composition:
- This commission has a chairperson and six members of which at least two should be women.
- All of them are appointed by Central Government for three years.
- The maximum age to serve in commission is 65 years for Chairman and 60 years for members.
It monitors the implementation of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.

To know about United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), please refer September 2021 DPN.