The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India marked its 32nd Foundation Day with a special function and a National Conference on the ‘Human Rights of Prison Inmates’ at Vigyan Bhawan. Established on October 12, 1993, the NHRC celebrated this milestone by highlighting its contributions to human rights protection. Former President Shri Ram Nath Kovind, as the Chief Guest, delivered an inspiring address, urging stakeholders to build a more humane, just, and inclusive India.
Shri Kovind’s Key Address: Upholding India’s Ethical Legacy
In his speech, Shri Kovind drew from India’s ancient wisdom, noting that long before modern human rights frameworks, Indian sages emphasized dharma, compassion, and justice. He described human rights protection as not just a legal duty but a moral and spiritual imperative deeply rooted in Indian culture.
NHRC’s Global Standing and Constitutional Values
Shri Kovind praised the NHRC for evolving into one of the world’s most respected human rights institutions since 1993. He viewed the Foundation Day as an opportunity to reaffirm India’s commitment to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity as enshrined in the Constitution. Through investigations, advisories, and advocacy, the NHRC has amplified the voices of the marginalized and integrated human rights into governance, reflecting India’s ethos of caring for the vulnerable.
Addressing Contemporary Challenges
While acknowledging progress, Shri Kovind highlighted emerging issues in a rapidly changing world. He focused on the human rights of informal sector workers—such as drivers, sanitation workers, construction laborers, and migrants—who face unsafe conditions, irregular incomes, and lack of social security. “Their labor sustains our growth; their welfare and dignity should measure our success,” he said, stressing that economic advancement must align with human dignity.
He also addressed climate change-induced migrations and displacements, emphasizing that every individual deserves identity, security, and essential services. Shri Kovind recognized mental health as a fundamental human right and commended the NHRC’s advisories on this topic.
Focus on Prison Inmates’ Rights
Shri Kovind underscored the importance of treating prison inmates humanely, stating that society’s values are tested by how it cares for those in custody. Prisons should be centers of reform, rehabilitation, and hope, not mere confinement. He applauded the NHRC’s National Conference for promoting gender-sensitive and child-friendly prison practices and urged prison officers and stakeholders to enable inmates’ reintegration as responsible citizens.
Government Initiatives and Collective Responsibility
Shri Kovind lauded government efforts to uplift the underprivileged through access to sanitation, electricity, healthcare, education, and housing. He highlighted reforms like repealing outdated laws and enactments such as the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, as demonstrations of India’s commitment to inclusive rights.
Reminding that rights come with duties, he called for harmonious freedoms for the common good. Safeguarding human rights is a shared responsibility, and he urged society to embody “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” – may all be happy – making justice, equality, and compassion lived realities.
NHRC Chairperson’s Overview: Achievements Over Three Decades
NHRC Chairperson Justice Shri V. Ramasubramanian provided insights into the Commission’s work, handling over 23 lakh cases and 2,900 suo motu cognizance cases. The NHRC has recommended over Rs 263 crore in monetary relief for more than 8,000 victims. In the past year (since October 2024), it managed 73,000 complaints, conducted 63 spot enquiries, disposed of 38,000 cases, and recommended Rs 9 crore in relief for 200 cases.
The Commission has formed 12 core groups with experts, NGOs, and officials to evaluate government schemes and suggest improvements. Justice Ramasubramanian highlighted recent meetings, discussions, and capacity-building programs, including for All India Services officers and NHRIs from the Global South. A key suggestion was forming a forum for Global South NHRIs.
He affirmed the Commission’s dedication, guided by Members and staff, to meet the standards set by predecessors and fulfill victims’ expectations.
Secretary General’s Welcome: NHRC as Conscience Keeper
In his welcome address, NHRC Secretary General Shri Bharat Lal described the Commission as the “conscience keeper” of India’s democracy, focusing on protecting the dignity of vulnerable and marginalized groups.
He emphasized NHRC’s ethical leadership and public trust, with recent efforts in training police and correctional officers, seminars, and accessible complaint filing in 22 languages via HRCNet, linked to over five lakh Common Service Centres.
Internationally, NHRC engages with global forums like the Global Alliance of NHRIs and Asia Pacific Forum. Recent interactions with Global South NHRIs reflect India’s global human rights contributions. Shri Lal noted India’s unopposed election to the UN Human Rights Council for 2026–2028, marking its seventh term.
Event Highlights and Attendees
The function was attended by NHRC Members Justice (Dr) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi and Smt Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, senior officials, judges, academics, NGOs, human rights defenders, and prison officers. The day-long National Conference on prison inmates’ rights followed the event.