The Kerala government has decided to appoint Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights member Cicily Joseph the acting chairperson of the commission after the term of the current chairperson K.V. Manoj Kumar ends on August 17. Ms. Joseph will act as the chairperson with effect from August 18 till a new chairperson assumes charge or till further orders are issued or till December 31, whichever is earlier.The government order in this regard clarifies that the arrangement is temporary. Separate appointment will be made to the permanent post of chairperson as per Section 18 of the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005.Mr. Manoj Kumar has been chairperson of the commission for two terms. Published - August 14, 2026 06:59 pm IST