Aspirants raise concerns over J&K Child Rights Commission shortlist

Srinagar, Oct 30: The release of shortlist for Chairperson and Members of Jammu and Kashmir Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) has triggered a major controversy, with aspirants alleging violations of provisions of eligibility criteria to accommodate favoured candidates.According to aspirants, the shortlist prepared by the selection committee has raised questions about adherence to the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005 and the Jammu and Kashmir Rules (SO 542 of 2022). They allege that the committee adjusted eligibility norms to favour a few individuals lacking the requisite field experience in child welfare.They said Section 17 of Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act mandates that the Chairperson and Members must possess professional experience in child welfare, education, child psychology or child rights.They argue that the background of some candidates does not meet these requirements, and that the inclusion of a “management qualification” criterion appears tailor-made to justify the selection.Similarly, the shortlisting of a senior advocate, a senior officer and a long-serving professor with limited engagement in child rights work has drawn criticism.On the other hand, several applicants with doctoral qualifications and long-standing field experience in child protection have been dropped from the list. Activists allege that the selection criteria were manipulated to accommodate select names while excluding deserving professionals.They have appealed to Social Welfare Minister Sakina Itoo and Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court to order a review of the selection process and direct the preparation of a new shortlist that adheres to the provisions of the law.