What are the core issues that are plaguing National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)? Examine if the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2018 addresses those issues. (200 words)
Refer – The Indian Express
Enrich the answer from other sources, if the question demands.
IAS Parliament 6 years
KEY POINTS
Core issues
· Selection Committee – Tasked with appointing the chairperson and the members, the committee is dominated by the ruling party.
· There is thus a need to diversify the selection committee.
· Process – The selection process is ambiguous as the criteria to assess candidates are not specified.
· Investigation – Police officials investigating for the NHRC are sent on deputation by their forces.
· Their allegiance lies with their home cadre to which they return after their tenure at the Commission is over. This conflict of interest restricts the scope of their work.
· Funds – Besides these, there is long pendency of the Commission’s requests for additional funds.
The PHR (Amendment) Bill, 2018
· The Bill propose to include one member of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights within its fold as a deemed member as well as a woman member.
· It proposes to enlarge the scope of eligibility and selection of the Chairperson of the NHRC as well as of SHRC.
· Further, it proposes to amend the term of office of the Chairperson and members of the NHRC and the SHRC.
· Though it proposes to make the institution more inclusive, widen its eligibility, it falls short in addressing the core issues of NHRC.
Road to future
· The government must take steps to ensure greater transparency in the selection process.
· The much-needed diversification could be realised through the inclusion of civil society members. Academicians with proven track record can also be roped in.
· Also, the NHRC urgently requires officers of its own to carry out independent investigations. The government should provide resources for this.
