MCPCR in deplorable state

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By Ksh Sopen

IMPHAL, December 9: The Manipur Commission for the Protection of Child Right (MCPCR) which was constituted on November 2, 2012 vide government order No. 9/25/2009 – (SW) pt: dated Nov 2, 2012 in the backdrop of recruitment of child soldiers by militants  and rescuing of many children who were indulging in unhealthy activities and practices, is now in deplorable state due to non-release of funds since its existence.

According to an order issued by the Commissioner of the Social Welfare Department, the responsibility of the MCPCR has been assigned to a chairperson and six other members in the person of A Nabachandra Singh as chairperson and Thiyam Jaya Devi, Y Nolini Devi, Hase en Chisti, Lamminlian Vaiphei alias Lian, K Maharabi Singh and Ch Nabachandra Singh as members who are working without salaries and allowances since its inception.

In this regard, IFP made an enquiry and found that the concerned department has not released necessary funds for MCPCR while its budget allocation is Rs 10 lakhs which was earmarked under grand No. 44 of the Manipur Legislative Assembly. Due to non release of funds, the Commission is unable to do field visit and other areas of identification and monitoring of children related programs which are implemented by various agencies of both government of NGO in the state.

And more importantly, the warrant of precedence for the chairman and members of the said Commission is not cleared due to reasons known to Manipur government. This non-finalization of the warrant of precedence is a violation of human right for them.

However, according to its annual report, the Commission has done considerable recommendation, among others, to the State Government for immediate action regarding the collection of capitation fee and subjecting children to screening test as part of the admission process for the 2013-14 academic session by some private schools run by the Catholic Society.

It is further mentioned in the report that the said admission process was in violation of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009, the Director of Education (S) subsequently took prompt action and issued necessary notification to stop the admission tests.

According to official website of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), 23 states of the country including Assam, Nagaland, Sikkim, Meghalaya and Manipur of the NE states have constituted their respective state commissions in response to the mandate of the NCPCR which was set up in March 2007 as a statutory body under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005 (4 of 2006), an Act of Parliament.

The Commission, while enquiring into any matter, has all powers of the Civil Court trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedures, 1908.

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