The Maharashtra state government has been directed to give Rs5,000 to 23 children shelter homes run by NGOs in the state for mentally deficient children, in addition to the per child monthly expenses given to them.
The Maharashtra state government has been directed to give Rs5,000 to 23 children shelter homes run by NGOs in the state for mentally deficient children, in addition to the per child monthly expenses given to them. This additional money is to be used for the purpose of children’s medical contingencies.
The division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice DY Chandrachud, while hearing a suo moto public interest litigation regarding the ill-treatment and sexual abuse of children in shelter homes, also directed the state government to appoint around 90 probation officers within three weeks.
Asha Bajpai, amicus curiae appointed by the High court, argued “The probation officers play a key role in understanding the problems of the children; they counsel and track their problems. But at present, the probation officers are either holding additional charge or are assigned with other acts like the Juvenile Justice Act or Probation of offenders Act. Thus they don’t have time to check the problems of the children”.
Bajpai also submitted a report saying that the committee found that superintendents of the shelter homes either had no money for emergencies or often had to pay from their own pocket. The court was also informed that the amount of grant released by state government was only Rs1,140 per child per month, which included all the administrative expenses.
An incident of rape of five mentally-challenged girls and physical abuse of 15 others, all aged between 14 and 18, at the state-sponsored shelter home had come to light on March 4 this year.
The bench also directed a team of doctors from KEM Hospital to examine the girls. The court has directed medical help to the victims so that their statements can be recorded properly. Next hearing of the case will be on April 28.
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