NHRC Holds Statutory Full Commission Meeting to Strengthen Human Rights Protection and Coordination

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India organized a statutory Full Commission meeting in New Delhi with representatives of all its seven 'deemed members.' The primary objective of the meeting was to improve coordination and cooperation among various commissions to promote and ensure the protection of human rights.

Presiding over the meeting, NHRC Chairperson Justice Shri V. Ramasubramanian emphasized that since the chairpersons of all national commissions are ex-officio members of the NHRC, they must work together meaningfully to protect the rights of different sections of society. He suggested appointing a nodal officer to ensure better synergy among all national commissions. Justice Ramasubramanian also stated that if any other commission lacks the necessary resources or arrangements to investigate cases, the NHRC could consider providing assistance.

In his closing remarks, the Chairperson expressed deep concern over the lack of rehabilitation measures for mentally ill women engaged in begging. Additionally, he raised the issue of the lack of social security for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and the refusal of insurance companies to provide them with insurance coverage. He emphasized the need to review policies formulated for the welfare of PwDs and address existing gaps.

During the meeting, various commissions shared their efforts and challenges:

- Smt. Vijaya K. Rahatkar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), discussed public hearings, anti-human trafficking campaigns, and dialogues with youth regarding issues such as POCSO and cybercrime. - Smt. Kiran Umesh Mahale, a member of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), suggested creating a policy for the rehabilitation of the beggar community struggling with mental health issues. - Shri S. Govindarajan, Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD), highlighted the need for research into the discrimination faced by PwDs and the gaps in their welfare measures.

- Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, Member Secretary of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), reported that over 8,000 children have been rescued and rehabilitated. He stressed the need for urgent attention to the spread of child sexual abuse content on social media. - Shri Vivek Kumar Dewangan, Secretary of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), emphasized the swift resolution of complaints through an e-complaint monitoring portal and the implementation of joint action plans. - Shri Suchindra Mishra, Secretary of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM), discussed electronic grievance redressal systems and coordination for the establishment of State Minority Commissions. - Shri Manohar N. Sukole, Deputy Secretary of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), suggested creating a grievance redressal platform with real-time monitoring and focusing on 'suo motu' cases.