Supreme Court directs NCPCR to collect information regarding compliance of its orders regarding education of children affected by Covid-19

The Supreme Court on Friday directed the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) to collect information regarding compliance of its August 26 orders, wherein the Apex Court had directed the States to ensure proper education of children affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Bench of Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Vikram Nath observed that through the order dated August 26, 2021, this court issued various directions.

The Amicus Curiae submitted that though the order has been passed, it was not yet known as to whether the said order has been given effect or not.

The Bench asked the NCPCR to verify from the states as to whether the order was being implemented and as to whether the benefit has really gone to the children who have lost either parent or both parents during the Covid-19 period.

Swarupama Chaturvedi, Counsel appearing on behalf of NCPCR and Suta Malhotra, appearing for the Women of India (organisation), supported the order.

The Apex Court said, ‘We request the NCPCR to collect information with respect to at least six states specified by them and collect relevant data from the respective state governments and submit the report. Collect the data and analyse the same and place it before the court.

‘All the state governments and respective schools for which the info is sorted by the NCPCR, would be bound to supply the information. We clarify that any non-cooperation of any state government or any school will be viewed seriously by this court,’ it added.

The top court of the country listed the matter for further hearing on February 22, 2023.