Dr Om Prakash Vyas Takes Charge of Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights
The Delhi government has appointed Dr Om Prakash Vyas as the new chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR), effectively reviving the statutory child rights body after it remained non-functional for nearly three years. Dr Vyas, a legal expert and former police officer, brings extensive experience in law, human rights, and child welfare to the role.
Background and Career Highlights
Dr Vyas previously served as chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Delhi, and as Joint Registrar (Law) at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), where he worked for over 27 years in both investigation and legal divisions. He began his career in the police force, investigating several high-profile and sensitive cases across the country. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service on Republic Day in 2009.
Academic and International Credentials
An alumnus of the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, Dr Vyas earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), a Master’s degree in Human Rights from the University of Sydney, Australia, on a full scholarship, a Master of Laws (LLM), and a PhD in Law. He has represented India at various United Nations forums and is a Fellow of the Australian Federal Police College, Canberra.
Key Contributions at NHRC
During his tenure at the NHRC, Dr Vyas played a key role in drafting guidelines on arrests, custodial deaths, and encounter deaths. He also authored a book on bonded labour published by the commission. Additionally, he served as a member of a central fact-finding committee led by Justice Narsimha Reddy that investigated alleged human rights violations in West Bengal through multiple field visits.
Teaching and Training Roles
Dr Vyas is a visiting faculty member at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, police training colleges, administrative training institutes, and universities in India and abroad, where he delivers lectures on law and human rights.
Revival of DCPCR and Expected Impact
With his appointment, the DCPCR is expected to resume its critical role in addressing issues related to child protection, education, juvenile justice, child abuse, and the functioning of child care institutions in the national capital. The body had been non-functional for nearly three years, leaving a significant gap in oversight and advocacy for children's rights in Delhi.
