NHRC's statutory Full Commission meets the national commissions; flags rights gaps for disabled and destitute women

The National Human Rights Commission held a statutory Full Commission meeting in New Delhi with representatives of all seven of its deemed members. NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian explained that the chairpersons of the national commissions are ex officio members of the NHRC. Representatives of the National Commissions for Women, Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Minorities and Protection of Child Rights, and of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, took part. Justice Ramasubramanian said the commissions could achieve more together, suggested a nodal officer to coordinate among them, and said the NHRC could help commissions that lack machinery to investigate cases.

He raised concerns about the lack of rehabilitation for mentally ill women engaged in begging, the absence of social security for persons with disabilities, and insurers denying them cover. Participants called for joint fact-finding, research, awareness campaigns and less duplication of cases. The NCPCR said over 8,000 children had been rescued and rehabilitated and flagged child sexual abuse material on social media, suggesting joint investigations and joint bench sittings. The National Commission for Minorities noted that only 18 States have State Minority Commissions, and the NCST stressed registering suo motu cases and early-warning grievance systems.