Aditya Dev, TNN | Aug 11, 2013, 07.21AM IST

GURGAON: The Haryana State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (HSCPCR) is yet to get a stipulated number of members for proper functioning of the commission, even though the commission was constituted eight months ago in January. 

The Haryana government constituted a three-member HSCPCR under the chairpersonship of Savitri Dhaka. The other two members of the commission are Dr Anita Deswal and Sushma Arya.

The commission got its proper office in Panchkula only a month ago. Savitri Dhaka, chairperson, HSCPCR, said appointments were being processed and the members would soon be appointed. 
 

According to the Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, the SCPCR should consist of one chairperson and six members. Dhaka had said in an earlier interview that there was a need for four more members to monitor the entire state effectively. 

Talking about the priority of SCPCR, Dhaka said the issues related to proper functioning of childcare institutions and observation homes are on the priority list. SCPCR also plans to conduct awareness camps in every district of Haryana regarding the new Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. One such awareness camp was organized in Rewari district on Thursday. 

Commenting on the punishment of life term awarded to the main accused in the Drone Foundation sexual abuse cases, Dhaka said the right punishment had been given. "The punishment will prove a huge deterrent for such crimes," she said. 

National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) member V K Tikoo said, "The POCSO Act is yet to properly implemented in the country. Such hand-holding awareness programmes are very important." Tikoo added that so far SCPCRs are there in 22 out of 28 states and there is need for an amendment to the CPCR Act to implement it everywhere in the country. 

NCPCR has published a booklet, "Frequently asked questions" on POCSO Act, which would be distributed among stakeholders.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/Child-rights-body-handicapped/articleshow/21754859.cms?referral=PM