Address lack of facilities at child-care homes: HC to Govt
Srinagar, Nov 28: Taking cognizance of the court appointed amicus curie about the “miserable condition” of children in the state-run Child Care Homes, especially in the chilly weather conditions, the High Court today directed the government to instantly address the lack of facilities in these centers.
The amicus curie Farah Bashir in the public interest petition about the Child Care Homes informed the court that the children in these institutions are facing a lot of difficulties and are living in miserable conditions.
“There are no proper winter equipments including clothing, heating and medical facilities available in these institutions,” she said.
Counsel representing the State authorities admitted the facts by amicus curie and submitted before the court that all these issues would be overcome in near future as the State Administrative Council (SAC) in its 24th meeting has already discussed the matter.
He informed the court that apart from 28 posts of various designations another 48 posts have been created for manning these homes.
The court directed the concerned agencies to ensure appointment on these posts is completed at the earliest in order to effect proper functioning of these institutions.
The court also directed for response to the report by chairperson of Child Welfare Committee and asked the government to address the lack of facilities as indicated by him in his report.
With regard to providing sports facilities to children in these homes, the court directed the Social Welfare department to report the court on next date about the provision of sports facilities to these centers.
About the implementation of recommendation made by Bharti Ali, the petitioner, the court was been informed by the State counsel that these recommendations have been addressed in the SAC meeting.
Creation of a separate ‘Women and Child Care’ institution has been discussed in detail and further development in this regard will be placed before the court, he informed.
Rashid Paul is Associate Editor at Kashmir Images.
He can be reached at [email protected]
