GS2 · 15 marks · 250 words

"The NHRC must not only be a watchdog but also a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed." In this context discuss the role and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. How does the current composition and functioning of the NHRC affect its independence and effectiveness?

Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

Statutory and Regulatory BodiesVulnerable Sections

Syllabus: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

How toppers approached it

From 8 of the 9 answers · about 220 words · 75% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • A definition38%
  • A constitutional or legal provision25%
  • A figure13%
  • A date or context13%

Body

  • Points63%
  • Points and prose38%

Close

  • A summary38%
  • A way forward38%
  • No separate close25%

The toppers’ answers

Raghav JhunjhunwalaAIR 4 · CSE 2025 · 181 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a figure

For second consecutive period, UN based GANHRI deferred the accreditation of NHRC on accounts of grave structural & functional lapses.

Body · points

Diagram
* Protection of HR Act, 1991 * NHRC * SHRC(s) * Spl. courts (statutory)

Role & mandate

(1) Research & Advocacy into cases of Human Rights violation.

(2) capacity building of SHRCs.

(3) Global collaboration and raising awareness about HR progress in our country.

(4) Aiding authorities wrt victim Rehabilitation.

(5) To review safeguards in constitution & Statutes & aid in policy making. (6) To visit jails, mental hospitals & juvenile Homes, etc. (7) Engage with civil society.

current composition & functioning (GANHRI's Report)

(1) lack of representation of females & members of marginal sections.

(2) Political nature of appointments & lack of appointment of field experts/ experienced people

(3) From a paper tiger → not even ornamental anymore

(Failure to uphold HR violations)

  • manipur crisis
  • Kashmir & misuse OF AFSPA
  • morbi Bridge collapse

(4) Can't provide monetary compensation to victims.

(5) Its recommendations are only recommendary & not mandatory.

(6) lack of dedicated Budget

Diagram
* lack of dedicated Budget * Short staffed * can't undertake Research & Advocacy as reqd * Poor collaboration with Civil society, Global academia, etc.
Diagram
* measures Required * Constitutional status (like NCSC) * Recommendations be made compulsory to be acted upon * President should lay down annual reports @ Parliament * Appointments via External committee

Close · a summary

the criticality of NHRC can't be stressed enough & critical reforms are direly needed to uphold HR.

More on Statutory and Regulatory Bodies

Statutory, regulatory and quasi-judicial bodies and their independence.

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