Mangaluru: Like-minded organisations have decided to launch a campaign against the appointment of the chairperson and members of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR), alleging irregularities in the selection process.Referring to the appointments made by the undersecretary of the department of women and child development, Gangadevi HC, on May 27, to the posts of KSCPCR chairman and members, child rights activists contended that the selection procedure had flaws and sought greater transparency in the process.Addressing media persons on Thursday, Federation of Education Resource Centres director Renni D’Souza said that the KSCPCR was constituted under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005, to exercise and perform the powers and functions assigned to it under the CPCR Act, 2005. The commission has the responsibility to ensure child rights as per the Indian Constitution and the UNCRC treaty. According to the criteria, the chairperson and members appointed to the commission should have at least 10 years of experience in child welfare and child rights activities. They should also have exceptional achievements in the fields of right to education, child development, juvenile justice, child care and protection, prevention of child labour, child psychology and other legal aspects of child rights. Renni said that some of the persons appointed on May 27 allegedly do not meet the eligibility criteria.Confederation of SCs & STs Organisations president Lolaksha said all appointments should be withdrawn immediately. “Fresh appointments should be made by considering persons who have all the eligibilities as per rules. The appointment process should be independent, lawful and transparent. Further, an inquiry should be initiated against officials involved in recent appointment process,” he urged.Activists said they are in touch with like-minded organisations across the state to launch a state-wide campaign and explore legal remedies.
