CWCs must be made accountable: Report

Kozhikode: The  district child protection officer (DCPO) has   urged the state commission for protection of child rights (KeSCPCR) to rein in the Child Welfare Committee  which has got quasi-judicial powers.  This comes in the wake of the dismissal of the Wayanad CWC for colluding with the prime accused in the Kottiyoor rape case.

The DCPO in a report has recommended  awareness steps to bring home the fact that there are appellate bodies and higher authorities to appeal against CWC orders. “People are largely ignorant about  the procedures. They view CWC orders as  final,” said Wayanad DCPO Sheeba Mumtaz. According to rules, the CWC decisions could be challenged at the district grievance redressal authority of which collector is the chairman.  

The parents can also approach the children’s court. “Many  cannot afford a lawyer. Hence free legal aid through legal service society is recommended,” added Ms Mumtaz.

According to an official of Social Justice Department,  the selection of the CWC members and their functioning are not  monitored. “Most of the members are from religious backgrounds. Religious establishments are running the foundling homes also. So  there would be a nexus,” he said.