NCPCR alleges gross violation of JJ Act in 2 child care homes in Delhi; demands probe

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) informed on Monday that it observed grave violations of the Juvenile Justice Act and various other irregularities including child sexual abuse in two NGO-run child care institutions in Delhi.

The apex child rights body took cognizance of a complaint regarding a violation of the JJ Act in 'Umeed Aman Home for Boys' and 'Khushi Rainbow Home for Girls' in South Delhi, established by the Centre for Equity Studies (CES). The shelter homes are run by social activist and former IAS officer Harsh Mander, who was a member of Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi’s National Advisory Council (NAC). 

In its inspection report, the NCPCR noted that the prevalence of sexual abuse of children was found in the boys' home.

"The Commission is saddened by the deplorable condition of the children who are living in these Homes and the negligent and callous attitude of the management of these Homes towards the welfare of the children and the upkeep of the infrastructure of these Homes," the report stated. 

The NCPCR formed two teams led by its chairperson Priyank Kanoongo, which inspected the two child care institutions in October last year. The Commission said that the registration of 'Umeed Aman Ghar' had not been renewed.

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Cases of sexual abuse went unreported

Through various sources, the Commission had learned that multiple instances related to sexual abuse of children had taken place within the Home in the years 2012, 2013, and 2016, the report said.

"The Commission in a recent communication received information that the cases of sexual abuse are still prevalent in the Home and there is no reporting being done of the same. The non-reporting of such POCSO offenses by the staff of the Home is a serious offense under POCSO Act, 2012 and also jeopardizes the welfare and well-being of children in this Home," the child rights' body said.

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During the inspection, the NCPCR also found out that foreign nationals frequently visited the Home to provide 'voluntary services'. "It is unclear to the Commission on what basis were these foreign nationals permitted to give voluntary services in these Homes and interact with children while their visit to India was for other purposes," it said.

The NCPCR has recommended the Department of Women and Child Development of the Delhi government to take appropriate action against this institution to ensure strict compliance with the rules.

"A lack of child protection policy in the institution makes the children prone to abuse and neglect and it is strongly recommended that to ensure the safety and security of the children, they must be shifted from these Homes," it said in its report.

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