The condition of children’s homes is worse than jails: High Court

Allahabad High Court has  held that the condition of children’s homes in Uttar Pradesh is worse than the jails. The court has said that the children living in children’s homes  not only need nutritious food, but they also need sunlight and fresh air.

The division bench of Chief Justice Mr.Justice Pritinkar Diwakar and Mr. Justice Ajay Bhanot, while passing the above said order gave their  suggestions  on a total of nine points for improvement alongwith  direction of immediate implementation. The court has also recorded the name of  Mr. Justice Ajay Bhanot, who inspected the children’s homes, in the order.

It was also held that this is a violation of fundamental rights. The court has given instructions to remove the deficiencies immediately. On the next hearing of the case, the Principal Secretary of Women and Child Development Department of UP should observe and tell the number of children and the number of children’s homes. Also, submit information about the steps taken for improvement on a personal affidavit.

It was also held that  indifference cannot be tolerated. It was also held that  until a standard is made for children’s homes, they should be shifted to such a place where basic facilities including playgrounds are available.

The court said that the supervisors or employees deployed in children’s homes are not trained. This is having a negative impact on the mental health of children. The budget allocation for other needs, including food items for children, has not been revised for many years.

This is also having an adverse effect on the development of children. The  educational facilities should be increased in children’s homes. Arrangements should also be made to provide vocational training. Children should be enrolled in nearby schools.