Question : QUESTIONING OF WOMEN AFTER SUNSET

(a) whether the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed its reservations over the practice of child labour and questioning of women at the police stations after sunset and stressed upon the need to bring reforms in this regard;

(b) if so, the reaction of the Union Government thereto;

(c) whether the NHRC had given any suggestions/directions to the Government in this regard during the last three years;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) the action taken by the Government thereon;

(f) whether the Union Government propose to issue directions to the State Governments in this regard;
(g) if so, the details thereof; and
(h) if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (CH. VIDYASAGAR RAO)

(a) to (h): The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in its Annual Report for the year 1998-99 has made certain recommendations to the Government of Uttar Pradesh with a view to eliminate the practice of child labour in the carpet industry in that State. It is for the Government of Uttar Pradesh to take necessary action on the recommendations of NHRC.

The Commission has also recommended to the Central and State Governments to amend the service rules of the Central Government and State Government employees respectively, prohibiting them from employing any child below the age of 14 years. The Central Government has since amended the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 to give effect to the recommendations vide its Notification no. 1103/5/97-Estt.(A) dated 14th October, 1999.

The NHRC vide their letter dated 22nd November, 1999 also issued certain guidelines regarding arrests which inter-alia stipulate that as far as practicable women police officers should be associated where the person or being arrested are women and that the arrest of women between sunset and sunrise should be avoided. The Commission has circulated these guidelines to all States/Union Territory Administrations.
It is for the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations to take action on the recommendations of the NHRC.