Bharatpur: Once again the dark underbelly of government institutions and corrective homes for children has been revealed with the incident of a liquor party being organised at one of the child protection homes (balika grih) in Bharatpur, Rajasthan that surfaced early December.
Following the case, the Rajasthan commission for protection of child rights (RSCPCR) on Tuesday conducted a surprise inspection of the place and found gross flouting of governmental rules, unhygienic living conditions and cramped spaces.
Talking to ETV Bharat, RSCPCR chairperson Sangeeta Beniwal revealed that the sad state of affairs and said children who are lost, face abuse or run away are kept in the protection homes (balika grih) so that they get a healthy environment and lead a better life, but the situation of Bharatpur child protection home is worse than that of prisons.
"Girls at Balika Grih are asked for money and in return they are allowed to talk to boys on the phone. They are not treated well and there are other serious lapses into the balika grih too," she said.
Beniwal told that the departmental staff is involved in the entire matter concerning the liquor party, where liquor and intoxicants were made available and a birthday party was celebrated. How else can alcohol and other intoxicants reach inside the safe space such as a child protection home?
"Had the video not gone viral, then the higher officials would have still remained ignorant about such serious lapses and this kind of activities endangering lives of the children would have continued even in future," she said.
Beniwal added that when she went on a surprise inspection several arrangements were made just before her arrival. For example, cleaning, changing of sheets and installation of a geyser etc. were hastily made.
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"The girls used to bathe with cold water in this severe winter since about past one month, but as soon as the officials of the department came to know about my arrival, a geyser was installed on Monday itself to make arrangements for hot water in the Balika Grih" Beniwal said.
The chairperson added that the government allocates big budgets for providing facilities to the children, and yet the local authorities do not provide them which is a matter is of grave concern.
Noting the lapse in arrangements and on the authorities side, Beniwal said she will write a letter to the Judge of Juvenile Justice regarding this entire matter.
Beniwal also said that after the liquor party video went viral, the Commissioner of Child Empowerment Department herself came to Bharatpur. A team was also prepared by the district administration and a report was prepared, which was sent to Jaipur, but in reality the team did not even consult the children residing at the child protection home. They prepared the report as a routine work and sent to Jaipur.
Other complaints at the Child Protection Home:
- A child living in protection home complained that he has completed 18 years of age, yet is not being sent home
- A child from Kota in a child protection home wants to study but no facility is provided to him
- Children scream with hunger but are not given food on time
- There is only one bathroom for 14 children, which is not cleaned regularly
Chairman Sangeeta Beniwal said that strict action will be taken against the culprits if found guilty - whether an employee or an officer.
