Wed Dec 31 11:52:23 UTC 2025: News Article:

Tamil Nadu Urged to Strengthen Child Protection Commission Amid Rising Crime Rates

MADURAI, December 31, 2025 – A Madurai-based activist is calling on the Tamil Nadu government to bolster the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights in response to a concerning surge in crimes against children.

S. Karthik, using data obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, revealed that nearly 17,000 crimes against children were registered between 2020 and 2022, while the Commission only received just over 900 petitions during the same period.

Karthik highlighted the fact that the commission was non-operational between 2022 until it was restarted in June 2025, “The stark contrast observed in the crime rates and petitions received by the commission in the three years reveals that the commission was not working up to its expectation and was not effective in fulfilling its duties.”

Data shows crimes against children increasing year on year: 4,338 in 2020; 6,064 in 2021; and 6,580 in 2022.

Karthik emphasized that the Commission’s purpose extends beyond resolving petitions, calling for it to proactively address social issues impacting children.

He criticized the government’s apparent neglect, stating, “The temporary closure of the commission for close to three years showed how the government has not cared to use it to the fullest,” and pointed to a recent incident involving minors armed with weapons as a reflection of the Commission’s shortcomings.

Karthik urged the Commission to proactively engage with stakeholders such as activists, doctors, educators, and NGOs to develop a more effective framework. He stressed the urgent need for a revitalized commission, given the rising number of children involved in crimes, both as victims and perpetrators.

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