NHRC takes suo-motu cognizance of the reported fire in the Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh .

Tags: State News

Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh 

Why in news?

• NHRC takes suo-motu cognizance of the reported fire in the Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh resulting in the death of 10 babies.

What is matter?

• At least 10 newborn babies have died after a fire broke out in the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh on 15.11.2024. 
• Apart from these deaths, a total 16 babies sustained injuries while 37 were rescued. 
• Reportedly, the police authorities have confirmed that the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit and the babies, who died, were in incubators at the time of the incident.

 What is the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) ?

• The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India is a statutory body that promotes and protects human rights in India: 
• The NHRC was established on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Ordinance of 1993. The Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA) of 1993 gave the NHRC a statutory basis. 
• The NHRC's purpose is to promote human rights awareness and protect human rights, which include the rights to life, liberty, equality, and dignity.
•  The NHRC also helps victims secure their human rights, including those granted by the constitution and international treaties. 

Role  of NHRC :

• The NHRC coordinates with other National Human Rights Institutes (NHRIs) around the world to promote human rights awareness. 
• The NHRC also hosts delegations from UN bodies, other NHRIs, civil society, lawyers, and political and social activists.
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