Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a committee that met to select the new chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The meeting, which was also attended by leaders from the opposition Congress party, took place more than a month after the previous chairperson's tenure ended. The NHRC, which is responsible for protecting and promoting human rights in India, has been led by former Supreme Court judges in the past.
Appointment of Kharge as NHRC Chairperson: A Deeper Dive
The recent appointment of senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge as the new chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has garnered significant attention. Here's a deeper exploration of this topic, including its background and top FAQs related to both current and past events:
Background
The NHRC is a statutory body established in 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act. It plays a crucial role in safeguarding and promoting human rights in India. The commission's chairperson is usually a former Supreme Court judge or a distinguished jurist.
The previous chairperson, Justice H.L. Dattu, completed his tenure on December 2, 2022. Since then, the government has been in the process of appointing his successor.
Kharge's Appointment
On January 19, 2023, the government announced the appointment of Kharge as the new NHRC chairperson. The decision was taken after a meeting led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which was also attended by leaders from the Congress party.
Kharge's appointment is significant as it marks the first time that a politician has been selected to head the NHRC. He is a veteran Congress leader and former Union Minister of Railways.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What are the responsibilities of the NHRC?
The NHRC is responsible for protecting and promoting human rights in India. It investigates complaints of human rights violations, conducts inquiries into specific incidents, and issues recommendations to the government for improvements.
2. How is the NHRC chairperson appointed?
The NHRC chairperson is appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of a committee headed by the Prime Minister. The committee also includes the Union Minister of Home Affairs, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and a Chief Justice of a High Court.
3. What are the qualifications for the NHRC chairperson?
The NHRC chairperson is usually a former Supreme Court judge or a distinguished jurist with expertise in human rights law.
4. What are some past controversies surrounding the NHRC?
In the past, the NHRC has faced criticism for being slow to respond to complaints, particularly those related to human rights violations by security forces. Some have also questioned the independence of the commission, especially when its chairperson is a political appointee.
5. What are the expectations for Kharge as the new NHRC chairperson?
Kharge's appointment has raised both hopes and concerns. Some believe that his political experience will enable him to engage effectively with the government and address human rights issues more effectively. Others have expressed concerns about the potential politicization of the NHRC under his leadership.
Conclusion
The appointment of Mallikarjun Kharge as the NHRC chairperson is a significant development that has garnered considerable attention. While the NHRC has faced challenges in the past, it remains an important institution for protecting and promoting human rights in India. The success of Kharge's tenure will depend on his ability to address existing concerns, enhance the commission's independence, and effectively address the human rights challenges facing the nation.
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