Meeting of Statutory Full Commission
A meeting of the Statutory Full Commission was organized by the NHRC on the 7th February, 2012 in New Delhi. The meeting, chaired by Mr. Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, Chairperson, NHRC, discussed a number of issues of common concern, including better coordination among the Commissions to avoid duplication of action on complaints. It was agreed that the other National Commissions may consult the National Informatics Centre to set up a complaint registration system on the lines of the NHRC and inter-link all systems.
In the light of the recommendations of the K.B. Saxena report on atrocities against SC/STs, it was felt that all the Commissions needed to have a common approach in ensuring welfare of SC/STs as the States are not serious in taking action on complaints of atrocities against SC/STs. The NHRC Chairperson also suggested that the National Commission for Scheduled Castes could appoint Special Rapporteurs or experts to study issues pertinent to Scheduled Castes.
The Statutory Full Commission also decided to make recommendations to the Government of India for amending domestic laws banning child labour in accordance with the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, Convention on Child Rights and relevant ILO Conventions.
The issue of having a Witness Protection Act was also raised during the meeting and it was decided that a recommendation should be made to the Law Ministry, Government of India and the Law Commission on drawing up a 'Witness Protection Programme' and making requisite legal amendment in this respect.
The meeting briefly discussed possibility of all the Commissions being locates in one complex, which would be convenient for those who approached them & make for better coordination.
In the light of the recommendations of the K.B. Saxena report on atrocities against SC/STs, it was felt that all the Commissions needed to have a common approach in ensuring welfare of SC/STs as the States are not serious in taking action on complaints of atrocities against SC/STs. The NHRC Chairperson also suggested that the National Commission for Scheduled Castes could appoint Special Rapporteurs or experts to study issues pertinent to Scheduled Castes.
The Statutory Full Commission also decided to make recommendations to the Government of India for amending domestic laws banning child labour in accordance with the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, Convention on Child Rights and relevant ILO Conventions.
The issue of having a Witness Protection Act was also raised during the meeting and it was decided that a recommendation should be made to the Law Ministry, Government of India and the Law Commission on drawing up a 'Witness Protection Programme' and making requisite legal amendment in this respect.
The meeting briefly discussed possibility of all the Commissions being locates in one complex, which would be convenient for those who approached them & make for better coordination.