NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, INDIA During the period 01.04.2018 to 31.12.2018, the Investigation Division has dealt with 261 such Rapid Action Cases (RACs) where immediate intervention by the Commission was able to prevent not only Human Rights violation but also threats to human life & liberty. (g) Debate Competition for personnel of Central Armed Police Forces: In order to promote human rights awareness and spread sensitization towards it among the personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces, the Investigation Division has been regularly organizing a debate competition on such issues every year since 1996. Moreover, since 2004, as desired by the Hon’ble Chairperson, zone-wise debate competitions have also been organized as a run up to the final competition, for larger participation of the CAPFs all over the country. The semi-final and the final rounds of teams selected during the zonal competitions are subsequently organized in the Capital. Each year this event sees enthusiastic participation and an outstanding level of brainstorming sessions. The Commision provides necessary financial assistance to CAPFs for conducting these debates (h) Debate Competition for personnel of State Police Forces: The police today are duty bound to conform to the principles of Human Rights in discharging their duties The lower and middle levels in the police forces are extremely crucial from the viewpoint of human rights because they directly come into contact with general public while discharging their duties. Since the year 2004, an attempt has been made by the Investigation Division of National Human Rights Commission to increase the level of Human Rights awareness among the police officials by providing necessary financial assistance to State/UTs Police Forces for conducting Debate Competitions for State Police Force personnel. (i) Visits to places of detention: There are a large number of complaints related to living conditions in the jails and other institutions where persons are detained or lodged for the purpose of treatment, reformation or protection. The IOs of the Investigation Division visits Jails and other institutions in different states as and when directed by the Commission and submit reports presenting the facts regarding specific allegations or the general condition of prisoners or inmates with regard to their human rights. 3.17 The Policy Research, Projects and Programmes Division (PRP&P 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 facilitates in monitoring the implementation of NHRC recommendations by the Central, State and Union Territory (UT) authorities. It further helps the Training Division in spreading human rights literacy and in promoting awareness about the safeguards available for the protection of human rights. The work of the Division is handled by Joint Secretary (Training & Research) and Joint Secretary (Programme & Administration), a 32 ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19