National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) TNPSC Polity Notes

 The National Human Rights Commission is an autonomous, statutory, and  non-constitutional body constituted on 12 October 1993 under the Protection of Human rights Act, 1993. 

It consists of a chairman and few other members. They are appointed for 5 years or till the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.

NHRC is responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights in India defined by the Act as rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the international covenants.

NHRC has five divisions. They are Law Division, Investigation Division, Policy Research and Programmes Division, Training Division, and Administrative Division.

Functions of NHRC

To inquire into the violation of human rights or negligence in the prevention of such violation by a public servant.

To intervene in court proceedings relating to human rights.

To undertake and promote research in the field of human rights.

To engage in human rights, education among various sections of society.

To encourage the effects of NGOs and institutions working in the field of human rights.

State Human Rights Commission(SHRC)

Every state in India has a State Human Rights Commission established in accordance with the power conferred on the State under section 21of the Protection of     Human  Rights  Act, 1993.

The State Human Rights Commission of Tamil Nadu was formed on 17 April 1997.

It consists of three members, including a Chairperson. 

The state Human Rights Commission can inquire into violation of human rights related to subjects covered under State list and Concurrent list in the seventh schedule of the Indian Constitution (not if NHRC is already enquiring).

The Commission will conduct suo motu actions taken on complaints even if the Commission does not receive a written complaint. 

Functions of SHRC

The SHRC shall enquire into violation of human rights in respect of matters specified in the state and concurrent lists.

Its objectives and duties are the same as NHRC, but confined only to the state.

It has the power of a civil court and can take cognizance of cases if received or in suo motu.

It can also recommend compensation to victims.

Human Rights Organisations

Many organisations around the world have taken their efforts to protect human rights and to end human rights abuses. 

These Non- governmental organisations monitor the actions of governments and pressure them to act according to human right principles. 

Some of these organaisations are Amnesty International, Children’s Defense Fund, Human Rights Watch.

First in India – Woman - TNPSC Notes

 First Women’s University – SNDT University in Pune started by Maharshi Karve with five students in 1916.

First Women to hold a Union Cabinet post – Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit.

First Women to hold a Union Foreign Minister’s – Sushma Swaraj (2014).

First Women youngest Minister of a State – Sushma Swaraj (She became the cabinet minister of Haryana when she was only 25 yrs old).

First Women Governor of Independent India – Sarojini Naidu, in charge of United Provinces.

First Women President of UN General Assembly – Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit (1953).

First Women Prime Minister of India – Indira Gandhi (1966).

First Women IPS Officer of India – Kiran Bedi (1972).

First Women to win Nobel Peace Prize – Mother Teresa (1979).

First Indian Women to climb Mount Everest – Bachendri Pal (1984).

First Indian Women to win Booker Prize – Arundhati Roy (1997).

First Women President – Pratibha Patil (2007).

First Women Speaker of LokSabha – Meira Kumar (2009).

First Women judge in Supreme Court – Meera Sahib Fatima Bibi.

First Women President of the Indian National Congress – Annie Besant.

First Women Chief Minister of an Indian State – Sucheta Kripalani (Uttar Pradesh).

First Women Director General of Police (DGP) – Kanchan Chaudhary Bhattacharya.

First women defence Minister of India – Nirmala Sitharaman.

India's first full-time Finance Minister – Nirmala Sitharaman. (Indira Gandhi is the India's first Finance Minister (1969 – 1970))