For past six months, several posts including the post of Chairperson of Jharkhand State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (JSCPCR) is vacant in Jharkhand and as a result 150 cases are pending with the SCPCR.
Moreover, people associated with the body have not received salary since last eight months. The Commission presently is functioning only with two members.
Citing details about problems which is being faced by the commission, Manoj Kumar, member of SCPCR said, “Since May 2015 the chairperson post is vacant. There is approximately Rs 35 lakh in the bank account. But as there is no authoritative person, we as a member cannot utilise the funds. According to the guideline issued by the apex court, the vacant post should be filled within three months.”
Giving details about the cases pending with the SCPCR, Kumar further added, “150 cases on various issues including cases related to Right to Education are pending with the commission. We have written to various authorities including the Governor and Chief Minister but no action so far has been taken by anyone to tackle the matter seriously.”
Earlier, in the year 2014 the matter related to salary and allowances was taken up by the concerned persons associated with the commission.
Not just salary but travel allowances and expenses incurred in organising Government programmes were borne by members of the commission.
The State commission for Protection of Child Rights has been given the power of Civil Court. The State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) are established in each State as per the provisions of the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005. Its main function is to protect, promote and defend child rights in each State.
The Commission consists of a chairperson and six members including one woman. The State commission is required to submit an annual report to the State Government as well as special reports when an issue needs immediate attention.