CWCs defunct in 9 districts of Manipur
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, November 11 2015:
Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) in nine districts of Manipur have been defunct since October 31 last after the Government failed to declare the interview results of new CWC chairpersons and members.
According to a reliable source, the tenure of last batch of CWCs expired on October 31, 2015 and the interview for selection of new CWC chairpersons and members was held on October 19 last.
But the Government has failed to declare the results of the interview nor extended the term of the previous committee.
Due to unwarranted delay in declaring the new Chairpersons and members, the statutory body having the power of bench of magistrate remained defunct since October 31 .
This has deprived the rights of the children who are in need of care and protection, the source said.
The CWCs has been established in 9 districts of Manipur constituting five members each including one chairperson and one member secretary.
The CWCs are dealing with the emergency cases under sexual assault related cases registered under Protection of Children from Sexual Offence Act, 2012 (POSCO).
Under this Act, a victim of sexual assault is to be produced before CWC within 24 hour by Special Juvenile Police Unit in certain situation.
It has been alleged that the Manipur Government has always failed to realize the true significance of having such child rights bodies.
It is not only the child welfare committees or the juvenile justice board but even the Manipur Commission for protection of child rights exist without performing the required duties for the past three years as State has not provided a single support staff and vehicles for the commission, though its first term expired on November 11 last.