State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) is crying for its own survival in Jharkhand. Already devoid of permanent Chairperson and left with just three members at present, the Board cries foul in the want of regular salary even to its support staffs, reimbursement for vehicles and fund for other necessary expenses.
Situation has trickled down to the level when one of its senior members and noted child rights activist Sanjay Mishra is desperately waiting for his last day in the office. “We have not been paid anything during last three years. There is no infrastructure available with the SCPCR to deliver. I am only praying that somehow my tenure comes to an end and I get relived. Sooner it happens, better it is,” Mishra told The Pioneer on Wednesday.
The known activist who is also associated with the Nobel-famed ‘Bachpan Bachao Andolan’ quoted provisions in child right commissions in other States. “Provision is that the Chairperson would get rank of the Chief Secretary and members of the Secretary. Their salary and other perks would be in accordance with that. But it is unfortunate that we were offered paltry Rs 10,000 per month. This is not at per with even a steno’s salary and is being rejected,” added Mishra with great deal of disenchantment.
Besides Mishra, the SCPCR is left with Manoj Kumar and Vinita Kumari as members while Ruplaxmi Munda’s controversial stay as Chairperson at the office ended only last month. The member feels that considering their “rank”, the Chairperson should get `1.5 lakh per month and the members between `1 and `1.25 lakh as remuneration.
“Situation is even worse and there is no allotment from the Government even for telephone bills, peon, refreshment, newspaper for last several months. Office’s telephone is dead. No payment is made for field visits, for vehicles or for other necessary requirements. How the office of such importance can function in the State where most numbers of incidents come into light relating to child trafficking and their illegal trade and we have rescued thousands of childrenIJ”
Mishra, who had joined the Commission in August 2012, put blame on subsequent Governments for neglecting the issue of child rights in Jharkhand. “We were given assurance by Arjun Munda (former Chief Minister) that the matter would be brought before the Cabinet. Expecting things to change under a stable Government, we have written the Chief Minister (Raghubar Das) several times but no reply has come. The Minister (louis Marandi) is also passing just assurances,” blasted Mishra and cited examples of Bihar and West Bengal where the officer bearers have been designated with even State Minister’s rank.
The Commission members have also knocked the High Court’s door hoping for a change and now feeling completely let down due to the apathy. “We have had lots of dream but unfortunately child protection is not at all on priority here. Whatever fear of the Commission was left with the officials is vanishing with every passing day. They have made SCPCR paralysed in Jharkhand. It is like slavery. I am just passing my time here,” said the member.
On the contrary, Department of Social Welfare, Women and Child Development denied the allegations. “He is absolutely wrong. In fact, they have taken advance payments. As far as their salary is concerned, they are not on a job. It was mentioned in the rules when they joined the SCPCR! No provision for fixed compensation is in the rules and they were aware at the time of applying. Now they cannot dictate terms,” retorted Principal Secretary of the Department Mridula Sinha signifying their services as pro-bono and termed the demands of the members their personal choices.