UPSC Mains 2025 · GS II · Q18 · 15 marks · 250 words

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has to address the challenges faced by children in the digital era. Examine the existing policies and suggest measures the Commission can initiate to tackle the issue.

हिन्दी में

राष्ट्रीय बाल अधिकार संरक्षण आयोग को डिजिटल युग में बच्चों के सामने आने वाली चुनौतियों का समाधान करना होगा। मौजूदा नीतियों की जाँच कीजिए और इस मुद्दे से निपटने के लिए आयोग द्वारा शुरू किए जा सकने वाले उपायों के सुझाव दीजिए।

ChildrenStatutory and Regulatory Bodies

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “How far do you think has the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) been successful in protecting and promoting child rights in India?”

Astha JainAIR 9 · CSE 2025 · 172 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a constitutional or legal provision

NCPCR was est. under Protection of child rights act, 2005 to ensure welfare & wellbeing of children.

Body · points

Successful

  1. Investigate offences against children → suo-moto cognizance of violation Eg. Maharashtra child labor case

  2. Recommed laws & amendments for protection of children Eg. Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse Act

  3. Inquire into specific complaints and ensure complete justice Eg. Manipur case of child trafficking

  4. Empowered to act as Civil court

  5. Promote awareness about rights Eg. child marriage prevention

  6. Innovative solutions (eg Child helpline for 24X7 access → 1098

  7. Grassroot works → engage civil society (eg Pratham NGO

Concerns

  1. Recommendary nature → reports submitted not binding
  2. Can't penalise or award compens-ation to victims
  3. Dependency on centre for funds & functionaries
  4. High vacancies → around 11 post vacant in 2023
  5. Non constitutional → less power
  6. Awareness among children low
  7. Rising crimes such as sexual abuse of children → ineffective body

Recommendation

Close · a way forward

↳ a) Can be constitutionalised ↳ b) Mandatory annual reports and discussions

1 more topper’s answer to this question, part by part, and how they all approached it: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025, General Studies Paper II, Q18. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.