38 i CIVIL LIBERTIES Working of Human Rights Cells in State Police Headquarters 4.47 The Commission has noted, with appreciation that, upon its recommendation, State Governments have established Human Rights Cells in the police headquarters of their respective capitals. These cells for which elaborate guidelines were devised by the Commission in consultation with the State Governments, were expected to function as vital links between the Commission and the State Govemmerit. The Commission has observed, however, that the cells are not being able to fulfil the roles assigned to them for a variety of reasons including the want of adequate infrastructure. 4.48 The Commission therefore urges the Governments of the States/Union Territories to review, once again, the infrastructural and personnel needs of the State Human Rights Cells, relating these to the number of complaints received and processed by them, and to take the action that is required to strengthen them accordingly, so as to ensure their effective functioning. While making this review, the State Governments should take into account not only the number of complaints that are received in the cell from this Commission, but also from the respective State Human Rights Commissions, where they exist. The efficacy of the Human Rights Cells is also dependent upon the quality and promptness of the replies that are sent to them from the district level. It has been observed, quite often, that the replies are incomplete and delayed. The Commission therefore recommends that the States should earmark one senior police officer, in each district, to function as a nodal officer with the State Human Rights Cell. This would ensure that replies are not only sent expeditiously, but also that they are properly vetted/scrutinised before being transmitted to the Cell. 4.49 In its preceding annuai report, the Commission had emphasised that the value of Human Rights Cells will, in the long-term, depend on the quality and commitment of those who are appointed to head them and the support.that they receive fronrthe highest levels of the political and administrative leadership in-each State. The Commission therefore recommended that special care be taken in regard to the appointments that -are made in respect of those who are charged with the responsibility of heading these cells and that the fullest cooperation be extended to them. The Commission would like to reiterate this recommendation, for only if it is acted upon with sincerity will these Human Rights Cells function with the integrity, independence and capability required of them and serve the vital purpose that this Commission had in mind in urging that they be established. NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION