Maharashtra govt issues strict guidelines for private children’s welfare organisations

TO keep a strict vigil on the functioning of children’s welfare organisations in Maharashtra, the state government has now issued detailed guidelines, which mandates setting up of a screening committee to scrutinise parents’ credentials, besides ensuring that every child gets 40 square feet space. To admit children, applications from parents will be compulsory.

“The hostel administration will have to ensure that study rooms for 25 children should at least be 300 square feet, dining for 25 children must be at least 800 square feet, and kitchen for the same number of students will have to be at least 250 square feet. According to requirements, bathing rooms will be at least one per seven children,” stipulates the guidelines for hostels run by private organisations associated with children welfare.

The state’s Tribal Development Department, Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, Minorities Development Department, and School Education and Sports Department will respectively be held accountable for the private children welfare organisations that come under their purview. These departments will also have to make sure that guidelines are being strictly followed.

“Several children welfare organisations in Maharashtra have remained unregistered. Sometime ago, courts also brought to the notice that these organisations are not governed by any guidelines. It directed the government to frame guidelines which would be applicable to all private organisations working for children’s welfare. Accordingly, the state drafted these guidelines,” says the notification.