NHRC issues notice to Rajasthan Government

On January 4, 2020 National Human Rights Commission has sent notice to the Rajasthan Government over the death of more than 100 children in the state-run hospital in Kota, Rajasthan in the month of December alone. The commission seeks a detailed report on the reasons behind the death. Union Health Ministry has sent an expert panel to conduct gap analysis of clinical protocols, human resources and equipment and paediatric services.

National Human Rights Commission

The NHRC is a public body constituted in 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights act. The commission has powers to inquire violations of human rights by government of India and by any public servant. It shall also review acts of terrorism inhibiting acts of terrorism. NHRC also studies treaties on human rights globally and suggests recommendations of their implementation.

By law, every state should set up human rights commission. However, only 22 states have such commission at state level currently. There are still eight states in India without human rights commissions. It includes Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, Haryana and Uttarakhand.

Composition of NHRC

NHRC consists of a chairman who has been a judge of supreme court or Chief Justice of India. The other members include ex-judge of supreme court, ex-chief justice of high court, chair persons of national commissions of SC, ST, BC, minorities.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2020