Srinagar, Oct 15: The appointment of new members to Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) and Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) in Jammu and Kashmir remains pending following the expiry of the extended tenure of existing members, with legal challenges to the recruitment process adding to uncertainty over the functioning of these statutory bodies.

In an order dated October 13, the Directorate of Mission Vatsalya directed all District Child Protection Officers (DCPOs) to take custody of official records, case files, registers and other documents relating to CWCs and JJBs in their respective districts.
Mission Director Rubina Kausar, JKAS, stated that the tenure of most CWCs and JJBs expired on April 15, 2026. The Social Welfare Department subsequently granted a six-month extension to their chairpersons and members through Government Order No. 62-JK (SWD) of 2026, dated April 20. The extension ended on October 13, while the new bodies had yet to be constituted.
People familiar with the developments said applications for the posts were invited in the first week of June, but the appointment process remained incomplete. The recruitment exercise has also become the subject of litigation, with members of existing CWCs challenging the procedure adopted for inviting applications.
According to sources, the petitioners have raised objections regarding the advertisement of application forms under the applicable rules and the Jammu and Kashmir juvenile justice framework. The dispute also concerns eligibility for the post of chairperson, including whether existing CWC members can apply.
The matter is sub judice. Sources said the court had permitted the receipt and scrutiny of applications while directing that the selection process remain on hold pending a final judgment. The precise scope of the court's directions could not be independently verified.
Sources further said two members of the Juvenile Justice Boards had approached the court seeking a stay on the anticipated advertisement of posts, adding to the legal uncertainty surrounding the constitution of the new bodies.
Questions have also been raised about the continuation of contractual and outsourced personnel engaged in the child protection system, including the rules governing their retention and responsibilities during the transition. Concerns have been expressed over safeguards for impartiality, accountability and continuity of services. The authorities' position on these issues was not available.
Under the October 13 order, matters concerning Children in Need of Care and Protection (CNCP) will be handled by the concerned Protection Officers dealing with institutional and non-institutional care, along with supporting staff, under the supervision of the respective DCPOs.
Similarly, Principal Magistrates of the Juvenile Justice Boards will be assisted by Legal-cum-Probation Officers and other supporting personnel of the District Child Protection Units in matters concerning Children in Conflict with Law (CICL).
The directorate has directed DCPOs to ensure the systematic transfer, verification, documentation and secure custody of all records, with particular emphasis on confidentiality and the protection of information relating to children. Compliance reports must be submitted after completion of the takeover process.
The delay has raised questions about why appointments remain pending months after applications were invited and how the government intends to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of the child protection and juvenile justice system while the recruitment disputes remain before the court.
The government's response to the allegations concerning the recruitment process and the continuation of contractual and outsourced staff was not available at the time of filing this report.