Child Rights Commission has no head for 24 months, raising protection concerns

The NCPCR has operated without a full-time chairperson or members since 16 October 2024. The vacancies have constrained inquiries, meetings, specialist oversight and the use of statutory powers.New Delhi,Oct 28, 2026 06:00 ISTThe National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has been without a full-time chairperson and members since October 16, 2024, raising concerns over its ability to discharge its statutory responsibilities. Six member posts, covering child education, juvenile justice, child labour, child psychology, child health and child laws, have also remained vacant, according to the information provided.The vacancies have raised questions about the Commission’s capacity to investigate complaints, monitor child protection measures and examine violations of children’s rights across the country.LEGAL PROVISIONS AND VACANCIESSection 8(2) of the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005, requires casual vacancies to be filled within 90 days, according to the material provided. The continued vacancies have therefore raised concerns about compliance with the prescribed timeline.The absence of members has also affected the Commission’s ability to constitute benches. Rule 21 of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights Rules, 2006, requires at least two members to form a bench for inquiries. General meetings require a quorum of four members, including the chairperson. Without the required personnel, the Commission’s capacity to conduct inquiries and take decisions may be constrained. This could also affect its work under Section 13(1)(d) of the Act, which concerns the examination of factors that inhibit the enjoyment of child rights.COMPLAINT FIGURES AND PENDING CASESThe figures supplied for the Commission’s annual reports show a rise in complaints received during 2023-24. The NCPCR received 4,243 fresh complaints in 2022-23 and disposed of 5,717 cases, including pending matters. In 2023-24, it took cognisance of 46,417 fresh complaints, while 56,580 cases remained pending at the end of the year. During this period, the Commission also conducted inquiries into serious cases, including the gang rape and murder of a 17-year-old in West Bengal, the burning of a minor in Dumka, Jharkhand, and alleged sexual harassment by a school headmaster in Uttar Pradesh.The material states that the Commission has not been using its powers to summon officials and obtain documents during inquiries since the vacancies began. If these powers remain unused, the Commission’s ability to examine procedural lapses and establish accountability may be weakened.CHILD PROTECTION DATA AND DIGITAL MONITORINGThe figures also point to continuing challenges in child protection. Cases of child marriage recorded in the material increased from 395 in 2017 to 1,050 in 2021, before standing at 1,002 in 2022.In its 2022-23 annual report, the Commission identified 11,49,023 vulnerable children who had either dropped out of school or remained absent for more than 30 days. The data identifies school disengagement as a possible warning sign requiring attention.The POCSO E-Box received 21,301 hits and recorded 251 complaints in 2022-23. In 2023-24, the figures stood at 9,540 hits and 203 complaints. The material also raises concerns about the effective operation of the POCSO Tracking Portal and monitoring systems such as MASI, used for inspections of child care institutions, and GHAR, used for child repatriation.The vacancies have raised concerns about access to specialised support for children and families seeking redress. Expertise in child psychology, juvenile justice and other fields is central to the Commission’s child-focused mandate.The Ministry of Women and Child Development faces calls to fill the vacant posts. Until appointments are made, questions will remain about the Commission’s ability to carry out its legal duties and provide oversight of child protection across India.- Ends