Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal Administration Accused of Neglecting Child Welfare, Violating Statutes: NCPCR Report

New Delhi- Presenting a dossier to President Droupadi Murmu, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has leveled grave accusations against the Mamata Banerjee-led state administration, alleging a profound disregard for the welfare of children and a failure to uphold its obligations under various child-related statutes.

The comprehensive report on child protection was initially presented in both legislative chambers and subsequently dispatched to the President on March 19. According to the findings, children constitute a substantial 35 percent of Bengal's populace, with a staggering 3.2 crore individuals falling within the 0-18 years age bracket.

Drawing from data furnished by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for the year 2021, the report asserts that incidents of child-related offenses in the state accounted for approximately 32 percent of total criminal activities in Bengal and nearly 7 percent of such crimes nationwide.

"In carrying out its duties, the commission encounters instances of violence against children of various kinds, and endeavors are made to address these issues in collaboration with state and district authorities. However, in the case of West Bengal, the state machinery has consistently neglected the best interests of children and failed to discharge its responsibilities under relevant legislation," stated the NCPCR report.

The commission further accused state and district officials of displaying a lack of cooperation and flagrant disregard for statutory provisions.

"Through numerous inquiries, it has become evident that both state and district administrations have shown a pattern of non-cooperation and brazen disregard for established laws. In order to shed light on this deliberate mishandling of sensitive child-related matters, which demand a more responsible and empathetic approach, the commission has prepared and submitted a Special Report on Child Protection in the State of West Bengal, as stipulated under Section 16, Sub-clause (1) of the CPCR Act, 2005," the report elucidated.

The commission also acknowledged investigative reports by The Indian Express detailing the proliferation of bomb-making activities in the state, resulting in several children suffering grievous injuries or fatalities due to explosive devices mistaken for toys.

Highlighting disturbing accounts of children being targeted and subjected to torture and degrading treatment across the state since the conclusion of the 2021 election polls, the report cited twenty-three documented cases of post-poll violence. Additionally, during rescue operations for trafficked children, it was discovered that numerous girls had been trafficked from West Bengal to other states or cities within the state.

The report further alleged violations of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, and criticized the state government for operating parallel systems for managing destitute children, known as 'Cottage Homes', under the Cottage Scheme.

It also accused the state of neglecting the implementation of Section 12(1)(c) of the Right to Education Act, 2009, thereby depriving underprivileged children of their fundamental right to education.

Responding to these allegations, West Bengal Women and Child Development Minister Shashi Panja dismissed them as politically motivated endeavors aimed at tarnishing the state's image. She criticized the conduct of the NPCR chairman during his visit to Bengal, describing it as regrettable.