State govt to set up own child rights commission

The PIL was moved by Ahmedabad-based Dalit Hak Rakshak Manch while contending that under statutory provisions it is mandatory for the state government to appoint the state commission for protection of child rights. But,there is no such commission appointed in Gujarat and the government has entrusted the tasks of the same to the Commission for Protection of Women’s rights.

The petitioner has averred that due to lack of infrastructure the Women’s Commission cannot be given the dual task especially keeping in mind the magnitude of issues and problems concerning women in Gujarat.

It highlighted a range of issues related to child rights in the state like the child labour,immunisation,economic and sexual exploitation of juveniles and other such issues which require to be looked into by the state commission. It added that under the provisions of the Right to Education Act,the Child Rights Commission has been entrusted with the task of overseeing and reviewing the implementation of the Act.

The HC had issued notice to the state government replying to which Deputy Secretary of Social Justice and Empowerment Department,Devendra Bhatt,has submitted an affidavit stating the government has decided to constitute the Child Rights Commission and to create infrastructure within “short time”.

Bhatt has added that the office of the chief minister along with concerned other offices have give necessary endorsement to the same on March 7 and 9.