NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, INDIA machinery and covers all human rights: civil, political, economic, social and cultural. In addition, they cover sensitive issues like child labour, bonded labour, disability concerns; etcetera and spread awareness among the people about the provisions contained in the PHRA from the point of view of seeking redressal from the NHRC in case of violation of their rights or that of others. Special Rapporteurs are senior officers who, prior to their retirement, have served as Secretaries to the Government of India or Directors General of Police or have done exemplary service in a human rights related field.A copy of the Special Rapporteurs scheme is posted on the website of the NHRC http://www.nhrc.nic.in/Documents/Scheme_And_Guidelines_for_Engagement_of_Special_ Rappoteurs_05 01_2016.pdf I. Prisons Visit by Special Rapporteur Under the provision of Section 12(c) of PHR Act 1993, the Commission engages Special Rapporteur to “examine, monitor, evaluate, advise and report” on human rights violations through “activities undertaken by special procedures, conducting visits and providing advice” on emerging issues from the perspective of human rights. The Special Rapporteur is mandated to visit any jail or other institution under the control of the state govt. where persons are detained or lodged for the purpose of treatment, reformation or protection. Accordingly, they are also directed to make suggestion/recommendations after observing the conditions prevailing in jails or other institutions. The Special Rapporteurs in position during the period under report are listed below. II. Zonal Special Rapporteurs (Both zonal and Thematic in position) Sl. No 1. 2. 3. 84 Zone/area covered as per new scheme NORTH ZONE Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand & Uttar Pradesh WEST ZONE Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Name of Special Rapporteur Shri Sudhir Kumar, Former MemberCAT Tenure Remarks 30.03.2017 to 29.03.2019 Additional charge of Maharashtra and Goa given to Dr. C.K. Mathew, Special Rapporteur for South Zone. Additional charge of Gujarat, and Daman & Diu given to Dr. Rapporteur for Central Zone Vinod 30.03.2017 CENTRAL ZONE Madhya Dr. to IAS Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Rajasthan, Aggarwal, (Retd.) (Jharkhand 29.03.2019 Bihar & Jharkhand Cadre) ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19 Dadra & Nagar Haveli Vinod Aggarwal, Special Additional charge as mentioned in column 2 above