May 20, 2003
Dear Friends,
The Government of India proposes to introduce
the National Children’s Commission Bill in the Parliament during
the Monsoon Session this year. While we, the Concerned for Working
Children welcome the move by the Government to set up a National
Children’s Commission, we have been extremely concerned about the
proposed structure and framework of this commission and the lack of
public debate on this matter.
We have attached a
note we have sent to the Parliamentarians of India (Annexure 1),
highlighting our areas of concern. For your reference we have also
attached the comments on the National
Movement of Working Children (Annexure 2) which we totally
endorse.
As the proposed National Children’s Commission (NCC)
in its present form does not fulfil the purpose it is set up for, we
would like to request you and the children you work with to
participate in a National Discourse as to the constitution and
functions of the National Children’s Commission. Kindly send in your
feedback to the members of the parliament. (You will find the full
text of the GOI’s proposed Bill at the GOI Website goidirectory.nic.in,
rajyasabha.nic.in, pib.nic.in) Please do send us a copy of your
inputs. (
)
You may consider the following key issues for your
consultations.
- The role of the National Children’s Commission (NCC)
- The composition of the NCC including the question of
representation and selection process and criteria
- The jurisdiction and coverage of the NCC
- The structure, mechanisms and functioning of the NCC
We are sure that organisations such are yours and
the children you work with will provide valid inputs and suggestions
to the Commission. We will ensure that all the responses we receive
will be complied sent to all those who have participated in this
process and disseminated extensively. We can collectively use the
complied information to influence the debate in Parliament. If you
require any further details please do get in touch with us. We request
you to send in your responses on or before June 7, 2003 to the
following address:
The Concerned for Working Children
303/2, L. B Shastry Nagar,
Vimana Pura
Annasandra Palya
Bangalore: 560 017
Email:
