Shobha Koshy completes tenure as chairperson of Kerala Child Rights panel

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Shobha Koshy completed three years of tenure as the chairperson of Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KeSCPCR). During her tenure, the panel's recommendations prompted the state government to issue over 400 orders in the last three years. The commission member CJ Antony took charge as the in-charge chairperson on Monday as per the state government order.
Recalling the three years of her tenure since taking over as chairperson of KeSCPCR on March 6 2015, Shobha Koshy told TOI that all recommendations made by the Commission were to uphold the best interests of the Child and the State government had considered it positively to issue orders. “It was made possible through the tremendous support of the government, district child protection officials, child welfare committees, colleagues at the Commission and others. The Commission had intervened by registering suo motto cases in case of child rights violations and issued recommendations to uphold the best interests of the child. It was not to make a point for the Commission or to create any sensation,” she said.

Significant Interventions include to ensure Safe Drinking water and roads in tribal areas so that the children get their rights to education and dignity of life.

“Some of the recommendations include ensuring that children enjoy summer vacation for two months and the government passed an order to implement that in all schools. In yet another recommendation to prevent children from direct exposure to scorching sun for programmes, events and pageants, the government had issued an order to prevent that. Children need to be protected ensuring them time for studies, play and recreation. The parents, teachers and society need to ensure that every child is given a chance to learn, interact, play, experience the joy and to consider failure as a stepping stone to success,” she said. In many cases of violation of child rights in terms of denial of education, child marriage and abuse cases under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), the Commission had intervened for timely action by the police and the concerned agencies.

The state government order indicates that the post of KeSCPCR chairperson turns vacant as the current chairperson’s term is complete. Since the procedures for appointing a new chairperson is yet to be completed, the state appoints Commission member CJ Antony as in-charge chairperson.

Antony has served in the domain of child rights and rehabilitation for the last 13 years. A native of Vadakkevila in Kollam, he has served as a member of Kollam district juvenile welfare board and as the Child Welfare Committee member and as its chairman.