The eerie silence of the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) over unabated death of infants at the Sardar Vallavbhai Patel Post Graduate Institute of Paediatrics (Sishu Bhawan) has raised many eyebrows.
Neither any suggestion on behalf of the OSCPCR was given to the Government nor this entity, mandated to ensure protection of child rights, issued any directive or advisory to initiate corrective measures after a series of casualties was reported in the State’s premier infant care centre.
OSCPCR, which was formed for safeguarding rights of children, is now appearing defunct. While the Commission’s head is undergoing treatment for a long time, another member is currently in charge of this important body which is running with three members against a sanctioned strength of five.
Sources said the child rights body can take up any suo motto action against any complaint.
While the Odisha Human Rights Commission intervened after the infant deaths were reported and wrote to the State Government seeking report on the present status of the case, not a single proposal on this sensitive issue was given by OSCPCR to the Government.
Sources said the OSCPCR members who visited Sishu Bhawan in Cuttack after the incident had decided to send their proposal and suggestions to the Government.
Apart from three members of OSCPCR, others working there have been appointed on contract basis. The post of OSD at the office still remains vacant after demise of the previous incumbent.
Sources said one official is working as the OSD for only two hours in a week. Due to his lack of efficiency, the employees and members have not been paid salary for the month of August yet. In such a condition, nobody is at office to dispatch letters, sources said.
While the Government is providing Rs25 lakh per annum to OSCPCR, not even 25 people are approaching this body in child safety cases, alleged a social activist.
Only 10 cases were brought to OSCPCR in the past eight months.