The NCPCR representatives had recently taken a stock of various schemes related to implementation of child rights which involved Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) and implementation of Right to Education (RTE).

“The state government has said that lot has to be done but what they have done is not enough,”said Shantha Sinha, the chairperson of the NCPCR.

The officials of the commission said that 44 per cent of the children in the state are malnourished and asked the state government to take urgent steps . “This is very grave issue as a little less than half of the children in the state are malnourished,” Sinha said.

The commission officials said there exists a lack of coordination between the health department and the social welfare department in implementation of the Integrated Child Development Scheme in the state. Sinha said the commission has learnt that a substantial number of posts in ICDS centers are vacant and at many places workers are handling double charge.

“We will conduct visits at various ICDS centers in the state in November to see what action has the government taken ,” said Shanta Sinha.

On implementation of the Right to Education Act for children from 6-14 years, the commission has urged the state government to come up with model state rules on the issue.

“The Right to Education requires participation of various departments like labour, tribal welfare and police. We have asked the chief secretary of the state to create a platform for departmental co-ordination,” said Kiran Bhatti, National Commissioner (RTE). The commission officials said they would conduct a field visit and a public hearing relating to RTE towards the end of this year.

Although RTE Act came into effect from April 1, the state government has not yet framed state model rules, create an advisory committee for RTE implementation and form commission for protection of child rights, said the commission.

“Being the monitors for implementation of the RTE, we have asked the state government to forward copies of all orders and circulars to us so that time to time we can give report to the Parliament,” said the NCPCR chairperson.

The commission officials have also asked the government to create a list of all children who are out of school and mapping of schools across the state.