Question : AMENDMENT IN HUMAN RIGHTS BILL

(a) whether the Government proposes to bring amendments in the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill to incorporate various changes;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has received recommendations from various corners to make changes in the Bill;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the implementation of these recommendations will enhance the power of National Human Rights Commission and would also give them power to inquire into the allegations of access by the armed forces and supervisory powers over State Human Rights Commissions; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI SRIPRAKASH JAISWAL)

(a): Yes, Sir.

(b): The Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill 2006 has been passed by the Rajya Sabha on 3rd August, 2006.

(c): Yes, Sir.

(d): The recommendations received from various sources have been examined by the Government and incorporated appropriately in the Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2006.
(e) & (f): The Objects and Reasons of the Amendment Bill as passed by the Rajya Sabha do not envisage changes in the existing provisions of the Act regarding the power to enquire into the allegations of excsses by the armed forces nor does it propose to give supervisory powers to NHRC over State Human Rights Commissions.