The Delhi High Court has constituted a four-memberscommittee to monitor the welfare programmes being initiated by the Government in the Capital’s Juvenile homes.
A bench comprising with Chief Justice A P Shah and Justice Manmohan formed the committee headed by Chairman, NCPCR with four members--joint director (technical) from the Social Welfare Department’s women and child development wing, two principal magistrates(respective jurisdiction) and one representative either from an NGO or from a legal fraternity to be appointed by the Delhi Legal Service Authority.
The Committee headed by Ms Shanta Sinha, chairman of National Commission for Protection for Child Rights (NCPCR) will monitor the welfare projects of the government and supervise the working of the observation homes, the Court said.
The committee will conduct surprise checks at the homes and file inspections report in the Court within four weeks.
The Delhi Government had on the last date filed an affidavit in the court claiming that 24-hour medical service was being provided in the Juvenile homes.
It also said a lot of improvements have been made in the quality of food and education being provided to the inmates.
The Court, however, said the authorities were insensitive towards the need of these children. Therefore, a continuous check has to be maintained on their functioning. It directed the committee to verify the facts.
The Court said there is an urgent need to address the problems of the juvenile homes as there was a lack of sensitised staff members there who can understand such children.
A public interest petition was filed in the Court alleging rampant sexual abuse and ill-treatment of minors lodged in juvenile homes.
The petitioner alleged that there is no proper arrangement of trained staff, no medical facilities and ambulance.
The children were being beaten and physically tortured in these remand homes, it added.
The Court had earlier directed the Delhi Government to provide facilities to the children which will help them get educated and reformed.
The Court also suggested to take the help of counselors in this regard.
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