3 min readPuneJan 20, 2016 12:30 AM IST
First published on: Jan 20, 2016 at 12:30 AM IST
IN THE WAKE of state’s Women and Child Development (WCD) wing submitting a detailed report on the grading that has been done on the 963 children’s homes, it has been found that nearly 214 of them fall in the “non-performing category” and are likely to be shut down as per the directive.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in a note, issued earlier last week to the WCD had asked the officials to ensure that all homes function to the best of their capacity and if found otherwise, will face stringent action. However, the government resolution (GR) on the same is yet to be issued.
The WCD surveyed 963 of the 994 homes in the state, of which, they found 214 children’s homes in the “C” category indicating non-performance. The report has listed 473 homes on the A list while 214 homes have been put on B category indicatong need for improvement. “Even as we have submitted a detailed gradation system to the department, they are yet to come out with a GR. Only if the GR comes, can we shut down the homes,’’ said a senior WCD official.
The officials had checked for parameters that included infrastructure, sanitation, food and other requirements as recommended under the Juvenile Justice Act (JJ Act). The survey was initiated to check on the living conditions of all the 963 children’s homes affiliated with the government.
The official said that a CM’s note has come in which he reiterates that the homes should function properly. “While 214 homes will face the axe, nearly 276 will have to give up their grants till they improve their conditions. These were the instructions which were given,’’ said the official.
The government presently pays Rs 900 per month per child to each of these homes and once these homes lose the status, then the funds will be stopped. It was in August last year that the department had ordered a detailed inquiry into the living conditions of these children in these homes.
The department officials were to make random visits to these homes and check on various parameters and a detailed report was to be readied. Homes that scored between 90 and 100 per cent were placed under category A, those which scored between 80 and 90 per cent placed in B category, and any home scoring less than 80 per cent placed under category C. As per the JJ Act, children’s homes should have a a decent space for reception, besides attached bathing and toilet facilities. The homes for transit care should have the minimum facilities of boarding and lodging, and provide basic needs in terms of clothing, food, health care and nutrition, education, vocational training and recreation.
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