The recent appointment of Child Welfare Committee (CWC) members in different districts, particularly Malappuram, has evoked criticism for multiple reasons, including political favouritism.
While most appointments were made on the basis of the candidates’ political affiliation to the ruling party, what evoked the sharpest criticism was the violation of rules in the appointments. Most CWC members appointed on June 16 did not have the qualifications stipulated for the best child care.
In Malappuram, for instance, none of the five CWC members, including Chairperson A. Suresh, has the stipulated seven-year experience in a child-related field. “It is ridiculous, and a clear violation of law. It is against the spirit of the Juvenile Justice [Care and Protection of Children] Act, 2015,” said J. Sandhya, former member of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
