Taking serious note of sexual harassment of inmates of Bal Niketan — a home run by an NGO for orphan girls in Sector 15 — by the supervisor, the Chandigarh administration has issued orders for taking over the home.
The orders have been issued by the Chandigarh deputy commissioner Mohammed Shayin who is also president of the Bal Niketan society. Confirming the development, Shayin said the management of the home has not been able to run the affairs in a desired manner. He added that the UT social welfare department will take over the home with immediate effect.
As of now, the home is being run by a society in a building provided by the UT administration in Sector 15 under the Centre’s scheme for welfare of children in need of care and protection. The social welfare department bears 90% expenditure incurred on the inmates.
Amar Kulwant Singh, who is the secretary of the home, is looking after its management. The staff members of the home reportedly turned a blind eye to the complaints of the inmates who alleged sexual harassment by the supervisor, Manish Arora.
The inquiry report highlighted that there was little restriction on the entry of males in the home and no proper records of the visitors were maintained. There are no CCTV cameras installed in the building.
Bal Niketan has a capacity to accommodate 45 children and as of now it is home to 40 girls in the 6 to 18 age group.
The inquiry report highlighted that there was little restriction on the entry of males in the home and no proper records of the visitors were maintained. There are no CCTV cameras installed in the building.
Bal Niketan has a capacity to accommodate 45 children and as of now it is home to 40 girls in the 6 to 18 age group.