Delhi child rights body restored after 3 years

The Delhi government on Monday reconstituted the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR), filling vacancies that had remained vacant for three years

The Delhi government on Monday reconstituted the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR), filling vacancies that had remained vacant for three years.

The appointments were announced through a notification issued by the department of women and child development.

The appointments were announced through a notification issued by the department of women and child development.

According to a statement, Om Prakash Vyas was appointed the chairperson along with Rahul Gautam, Kundan Kanskar, Swati Gupta, and Monika Sharma as members of the commission. Their tenure will begin from the date they assume office and will be for three years, subject to the prescribed upper age limit of 65 years for the chairperson and 60 years for members.

The reconstitution comes after the DCPCR remained inactive without a chairperson and members for three years, affecting the functioning of the statutory body tasked with safeguarding children’s rights and examining complaints related to child welfare, education, protection and abuse.

Announcing the appointments, chief minister Rekha Gupta said protecting children’s rights remains one of the Delhi government’s highest priorities. “Every child deserves a safe, dignified, and opportunity-filled childhood. Strengthening the DCPCR is an important step in that direction,” she said.

The DCPCR is mandated to monitor the implementation of child rights laws and policies, inquire into violations of children’s rights, review safeguards available to children and recommend measures to improve their protection and welfare.

The DCPCR had remained without a regular chairperson since the former chairperson Anurag Kundu’s tenure ended in July 2023.