National Commission for Protection of Child Rights

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is a statutory body constituted by the Central Government under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005. It protects the rights of persons below 18 years and assesses whether laws, policies and practices conform to child-rights safeguards.

Composition and appointment

The Commission consists of a Chairperson and six members, of whom at least two must be women. The Chairperson must be an eminent person who has done outstanding work for promoting children's welfare.

• Members are selected for expertise in education, child health and development, juvenile justice, care of marginalized children or children with disabilities, elimination of child labour, child psychology or sociology, and laws relating to children.
• The Central Government appoints the Chairperson on the recommendation of a three-member selection committee chaired by the minister in charge of the ministry or department dealing with children.
• The Chairperson and members may serve no more than two terms; the maximum ages are 65 years for the Chairperson and 60 years for members.

Core mandate

Under Section 13 of the 2005 Act, the NCPCR reviews legal safeguards for children and recommends measures for their effective implementation.

• It inquires into complaints or acts suo motu regarding deprivation or violation of child rights, non-implementation of protective laws, and non-compliance with relevant policies or instructions.
• It investigates child-rights violations, inspects institutions where children are detained or housed, and recommends remedial action.
• It studies treaties and policies, promotes research and child-rights literacy, and encourages consideration of children's views.
• It monitors specified safeguards under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, the POCSO Act, 2012, and the Juvenile Justice law.

Inquiry powers and accountability

While conducting inquiries, the Commission has specified powers of a civil court, including summoning persons, receiving evidence on affidavits and requisitioning public records. It may recommend prosecution or other action, interim relief, or recourse to the Supreme Court or a High Court, and submits annual and special reports to the Central Government for placement before Parliament.