Child rights activists and NGOs have objected to the recent appointments of chairperson and members to the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
The Department of Women and Child Development appointed Santhosh Kumar from Kalaburagi as chairperson. Satya Narayan Shetty from Raichur, Jagannath Halmadagi from Bidar and Venkatesh from Mandya were named as members.
A. Manjunath of the Dalit Sangharsha Samithi wrote to Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot requesting withdrawal of the appointments. He stated that the chairperson and some members lack prior association with child welfare bodies such as Child Welfare Committees or Juvenile Justice Boards.
M. Venkataswamy, president of the Federation of Dalit Organisations, said the group would protest if the appointments are not withdrawn. Activist Vasudev Sharma noted that the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005 requires applicants to have ten years of experience in the field.
Santhosh Kumar responded that he has worked with NGOs in Kalaburagi and conducted awareness programmes, adding that he submitted documents proving eligibility.
