Annual Report 2008-2009
reports received from the police and other investigation agencies and in looking into reports of
custodial violence or other misdemeanours. In addition, the Division analyzes the intimations
and reports from the State authorities regarding deaths in police and judicial custody as well as
deaths in police encounters. It also renders expert advice on other matters related to police or
armed forces. The Division has setup a Rapid Action Cell to attend to complaints that require
immediate attention and action. Other than this, it facilitates the Training Division in spreading
human rights literacy as envisaged in Section 12(h) of the PHRA.
The Policy Research, Projects and Programmes Division undertakes and promotes research
on human rights and organizes conferences, seminars and workshops on important human
rights issues. Whenever the Commission, on the basis of its hearings, deliberations or otherwise,
arrives at a conclusion that a particular subject is of importance, it is converted into a project/
programme to be dealt with by the PRP&P Division. Besides, it reviews policies, laws, treaties
and other international instruments in force for the protection and promotion of human rights.
It assists in monitoring the implementation of the Commission’s recommendations by Central
and State/Union Territory authorities. It also aids the Training Division in spreading human
rights literacy and in promoting awareness about the safeguards available for the protection of
human rights.
The Training Division is responsible for training and sensitizing various officials and
functionaries of the State and its agencies, NGOs, students and the civil society, etc., about
human rights concerns.
The Information and Public Relations Division disseminates information relating to the activities
of the NHRC through the print and electronic media. It brings out a bilingual monthly Human
Rights Newsletter and other publications of the Commission. Besides, it looks into applications
and appeals received under the Right to Information Act, 2005. The Administration Division
looks after the establishment, administrative and related requirements of the Chairperson and
Members of the NHRC. It also looks into personnel (including cadre matters), accounts, library
and other requirements of the officers and staff of the NHRC.
3.8
The reach of the Commission is greatly enhanced by the appointment of Special
Rapporteurs and the constitution of Core and Expert Groups. Special Rapporteurs are very
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. They are either assigned specific subjects to deal with, such as Bonded Labour, Child
Labour, Custodial Justice, Disability, etc., or a zone comprising a group of States to look into
human rights concerns and violations.
3.9
The Core/Expert Groups consist of eminent persons or representatives of bodies working
on human rights issues. These groups render expert advice to the Commission on various issues.
Some of the important Core/Expert Groups constituted in the NHRC are:
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