Chairperson NHRC Foreword The National Human Rights Commission is pleased to present to the Parliament and public of India, its twenty-sixth Annual Report for the period, 01 April 2018 to 31 March 2019. 2. The National Human Rights Commission was established under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993. Last year, the Commission commemorated its Silver Jubilee on 12 October, 2018 to mark 25 years of its pioneering work in the protection and promotion of human rights and this year it successfully completed its 26 years of foundation. The NHRC in its 26 years of journey, has persistently endeavoured to fulfil its mandate of the protection and promotion of human rights as enunciated in the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The Commission discharges multifarious responsibilities, the important amongst is to link the Government and civil society. The Commission seeks to bridge the gap between responsibilities of the state and the rights of individuals to ensure that each citizen lives a life of self-respect and dignity. 3. Over the years, the Commission has concerted its efforts largely on the opportunities to serve the people of India and has unceasingly strived to accomplish the basic human rights. The key focus has been on rights relating to women, children and persons with disabilities, LGBTI, food, education, rights of persons belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe and other vulnerable minorities and marginalized communities. In the process, the Commission has become an essential part of the nation. Today, the growing awareness amongst the citizens about the human rights is a reflection of the NHRCs commitment and intervention at the grassroots level for speedy redressal of the grievances stemming mainly from the violation of their human rights. The growing confidence of public makes the Commission an ‘able, accountable and authoritative’ institution which is firmly committed to defend the human rights. 4. Since its inception, the NHRC has followed a human rights-centered approach in its functioning with the Government at both the central and state level. The significant issues pertaining to human rights, either suo motu, or when brought to the notice of Commission by the civil society, the media, concerned citizens, or expert advisers have been meticulously raised by the Commission. 5. The Commission is forging into more comprehensive partnerships with prior key stakeholders such as, the judiciary, police personnel, government officials, media, representatives of NGOs and civil society organizations, and academia (including students), most notably through its ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19 e