The State highly vulnerable to cases of child abuse and human trafficking seems to have turned a blind eye towards the condition of its child rights protection body. So much so, that the State Commission of Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) in Jharkhand has been running without a phone connection for the last 10 months. According to the members of the Constitutional body, the Government has turned a blind eye, as it was not sensitive towards the welfare of children.

"We have been working in a horrible condition as there is no telephone connection, no fax machine and no Internet in the office," said SCPCR Member Dr Manoj Kumar. Despite several reminders, these facilities have been provided to us, he said.

According to sources, the landline connection was disconnected after commission failed to pay the bill for the six consecutive months since then it is lying idle for the last 10 months.

Despite the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court that the vacant post of the Commission must be filled up within 90 days, the remaining four out of six posts members are lying vacant for the last 10 months. Presently, Commission has only two members-Vinita Kumar and Dr Majoj Kumar.

Moreover, these two members have been working regularly for the last 14 months without any salary, they said.

"Even though we have been travelling a lot across the state, we have not been given travel or daily allowance for the last 14 months. Since the Government is insensitive towards the welfare of the children, we have been left to work without any facilities," said Kumar. The Commission, according to the members, has been taking interest as it was related to the interest of the children; otherwise it is a serious matter on which the government must cognizance of, said the member.

"I have already put in more than Rs 1 lakh in my travel and other expenses from my own pocket in the last six months against which no payment has been made so far," said Kumar.    

Officials also asserted that the phone lines were disconnected due to non-payment, but assured that it will be restored soon as all payments have been cleared. "All the bills have been cleared and probably by Monday the phone connection, Internet and the fax line will be restored Deputy Secretary Rajesh Patro.

Social Welfare Minister louis Marandi also clarified that the matter will be sorted out soon during this Assembly Session.

"The process to fill up the vacant posts is on and I hope that it will be done before this Assembly session gets over," said Social Welfare Minister louis Marandi. Everything will be lined up during this Assembly session as she personally will monitor the things and try to find solution for problems related to the Commission, she added.

Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court Justice Virender Singh, looking at the pathetic condition of the constitutional body in the state, has also asked State Government to take steps to make it functional in the state. According to the Chief Justice, it was a serious matter which should be monitored properly.

"Neither there is a Chairman, nor members… how can the rights of children be protected in this state," said the Chief Justice during a programme here on Saturday.