In an illuminating interview, Sanjay Kumar, the acting chairperson of the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC), sheds light on the commission’s pivotal role in strengthening democracy and advocating for human rights across Maharashtra. Kumar highlights significant achievements, particularly in championing the rights of underprivileged communities by addressing bonded labour cases and enhancing living conditions in ashramshalas and prisons. He underlines the commission’s commitment to assisting about 700 applicants monthly, despite a majority falling outside its jurisdiction.
Addressing concerns around police action during social unrest, Kumar emphasises the imperative for law enforcement to abide by established protocols while safeguarding citizens’ rights. He delineates the avenues available for redress against violations, stressing that human rights violations should not go unchallenged. Moreover, responses from the state government regarding the commission’s recommendations are legally mandated, with repercussions for non-compliance, according to recent High Court judgements.
Kumar outlines the commission’s educational initiatives, including internships for law students and partnerships with NGOs to foster awareness about human rights law. Future plans involve training police personnel and launching certificate courses to empower citizens. Despite successes, the MSHRC faces challenges, including the perception that their recommendations constitute unnecessary interference, resulting in only 22-25% being acted upon by the government.
The drive for physical infrastructure persists as a pressing issue, with inadequate office space affecting operations. Kumar expresses concern over workforce stability, highlighting the fact that only a fraction of MSHRC employees are permanent. While acknowledging adequate funding, he conveys the necessity for improved digital systems to streamline operations, signalling potential shifts in operational modality, advocating a blend of traditional and modern techniques to enhance efficiency at the commission.
Sanjay Kumar, acting chairperson of the MSHRC, discusses his commission’s pivotal role in safeguarding human rights in Maharashtra, addressing achievements including support for underprivileged communities and bond labour cases. He highlights the importance of governmental compliance with recommendations, ongoing educational initiatives, and existing challenges like insufficient infrastructure and personnel stability, all while advocating for continuous improvement in operations and human rights awareness.
Ultimately, Sanjay Kumar’s insights reveal a multifaceted tapestry of achievements and challenges faced by the MSHRC. While championing the rights of the underprivileged, the commission grapples with governmental pushback and operational constraints. On a hopeful note, ongoing educational initiatives and a commitment to digital evolution herald a more robust future for human rights advocacy in Maharashtra.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
