There are many NGOS operating in Bharat (and other parts of the developing world) which cynically exploit child destitution to do their fund-raising. Many FCRA NGOs, usually those with Western Christian missionary connections, even concoct stories of casteism and girl child abandonment to play to colonial stereotypes about Hindu society and reaffirm biases of their Western donors about ‘civilizing the heathens’.

In response to a complaint raised by an MP, NCPCR (National Commission for Protection of Child Rights) has now issued a notice to all NGOs asking them to refrain from raising funds through advertisement which show vulnerable children in deplorable conditions as this is a violation of Child Rights & Provisions of JJ (Juvenile Justice) Act, 2015.

The letter with the subject “Regarding use of minors for raising funds” reads –

National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (hereinafter referred to as the Commission) is a statutory body constituted under Section 3 of the Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005 to protect the child rights and other related matters in the Country. The Commission is further mandated to monitor the proper and effective implementation of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012; Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and Right to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009. In one of the functions laid down under Section 13 of the CPCR Act, 2005, the Commission has been assigned with the function to examine and review the safeguards provided by or under any law for the time being in force for the protection of child rights and recommend measures for their effective implementation. The Commission also has the powers of Civil Court trying a suit under Section 14 of CPCR Act, 2005 and Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.

2. The Commission has been in receipt of a complaint wherein Hon’ble Member of Parliament has raised concern to the Commission that various Non Governmental Organization (NGOs) are seen raising funding, domestic as well as international, for their NGOs through advertisement on print media, news channels, websites, social media and radio while showing vulnerable minor children in deplorable condition. The Commission in the said matter has also come across various such advertisements and fund raising activities by prominent NGOs and organizations.

3. The Commission in the said regard observes that such activities is a violation of child rights, which is in contravention of provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, therefore the Commission recommends your good offices to refrain from practicing any such activities that involves using of pictures, videos or any such material that showcases vulnerable children in deplorable condition in order for raise funding.”