Shortage of staff is adversely affecting cases and complaints made to Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR).
Fr. Antony Sebastian, chairperson, said this was causing a delay in dealing with cases pertaining to child rights. On an average, the commission receives around 12 to 14 cases daily, while around 20 are disposed of per month. “But not all cases have to be disposed. Some are referred to concerned departments for action,” he said. A majority of cases are related to violations in the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, and others. The commission receives many complaints pertaining to extra fees charged by school managements and corporal punishment.
Of the total 12 sanctioned posts, only six are filled. Repeated letters had been written to the government seeking staff. The commission has recruited 12 staff on a temporary basis funded by the UNICEF.
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The Regional Conclave of State Commission for Protection of Child Rights ended on Wednesday and the commissions of seven southern states adopted the Bengaluru Declaration. They pointed out that there are serious gaps and lacunae in equipping the State commissions in terms of status, infrastructure, human resources, financial resources and have called upon Union and State governments to review the State rules to strength the commissions to discharge their functions effectively. They have also recognised the lack of sensitivity among police personnel in respect of POCSO cases, inadequacy of training for medical practitioners in management of sexual assault cases and have urged the State government to intensify capacity building for all stakeholders. They have also committed to collaborate with the State Human Rights Commission and State Commission for Women on issues of common concern.