Bring a Manodhairya scheme for boys too: Bombay HC to Maharashtra government

“The Manodhairya scheme is applicable to acid attack and sexual assault on women and girls. Several boys are also victims of sexual assault. The state government should consider a separate scheme for boys who are victims of sexual assault,” said the court. The state has been told to inform the court about the steps taken by them in this regard.

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The court also observed that several cases of sexual assault had been pending before the competent court that looks at cases under the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

Dr Asha Bajpai, who was appointed the head of the High Court-appointed coordination committee for child protection and is also heading a model project called ‘Chunauti’, is the amicus curiae in the matter.

The coordination committee submitted a report before the court Monday, which said advanced equipment was needed for intensive therapy of these children. In accordance to court orders of March 2015, the justice department was directed to make these equipment available to the children in Mankhurd. The court was, however, informed that this had not been done till now.

“A small amount of approximately Rs 27,000 is required. Why can’t the government spend money on good things,” the court asked.

Directing the government to make the equipment available, the HC said, “Specific equipment is necessary so that the children can be given aid. These children require therapy at a young age so that their handicap can be considerably reduced. The rates have been given to the government to supply the equipment. We are surprised that despite directions no action has been taken. The equipment is only for 27,800,” said the court.

Bajpai submitted a list of vocational and functional training being given under project Chunati to some of the girls. The court said additional new training programmes could be incorporated keeping in mind the changing times.

Meanwhile, the state government filed a compliance report on an earlier order of the court regarding the status of homes for mentally-challenged children on whether certain homes had been closed and if closed, reasons for their closure, and what happened to the children who were brought to these homes. The report will be reviewed by the committee.

The court also asked the government to inform it about providing compensation to the children who were victims of sexual assault.