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Wednesday, Jan 07, 2009
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State commission for children proposed

Staff Reporter

Law Reforms Commission lists objectives, powers

Suggestions for wide-ranging powers for the commission
Panel should initiate inquiries suo motu on complaints

Head of Kerala Law Reforms Commission V.R. Krishna Iyer

Kozhikode: The Kerala Law Reforms Commission, headed by V.R. Krishna Iyer, jurist, has mooted a State commission for children.

The proposed commission should have the objectives of protecting children from discrimination, cruelty and abuse and enabling them to develop and grow in healthy, educative and pleasant surroundings, the law reforms panel says.

Panel members

The commission should have a chairperson, four members to be appointed from among people having knowledge of, and practical experience in, children’s rights and a member of the State Human Rights Commission. The Chairperson of the State Women’s Commission will be the ex-officio member. A secretary-general will act as the chief executive officer.

The proposal suggests wide-ranging powers for the commission to inquire into complaints. To carry out preliminary investigations, the panel should be empowered to direct the Director-General of Police or any other police officers and utilise the service of any officers or investigating agencies of the State government.

The commission should initiate inquiries suo motu on complaints of deprivation of rights; molestation or attempt thereof; discrimination; cruelty at home or other places; abuse; inhuman treatment; child labour or exploitation at workplaces; non-implementation of laws to provide protection to children; and non-compliance with policy decisions.

It should be authorised to summon and enforce the attendance of any person and examine him under oath; require the discovery and production of any document; and requisition any public record or copy from any office.

Role in child health

The commission should be empowered to appoint committees that should serve as a focal point and forum for planning, review and coordination of the services in areas of child health care, nutrition, education and rehabilitation and promotion of the fulfilment of children’s rights.

The commission should have the powers to intervene in any proceeding in which under-trial or other children are detained before a court with the approval of that court. Its members should be empowered to visit any jail or other institutions where children are detained. They should have the powers to visit children lodged for treatment or protection to study their living conditions and make recommendations.

Activities of institutions

The commission should monitor the activities of institutions and authorities in the field of child welfare and development and issue directives to them. The civic bodies should be assisted by it in their efforts to promote the welfare and development of children, especially in education, health, protection and care.

The commission should submit to the government annual reports on the working of the safeguards provided to children under the Constitution and other laws.

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