Centre nudges corporate houses to adopt juvenile homes as part of CSR

The government wants private business houses to adopt shelters for children, a majority of which are in abysmal condition because of sparse funding.

The government wants private business houses to adopt shelters for children, a majority of which are in abysmal condition because of sparse funding.

A majority of juvenile homes are in abysmal condition because of sparse funding. (Parveen Kumar/HT Photo)

Called “Adopt a Home”, the scheme launched by the Women and Child Development (WCD) ministry has sought the help of the corporate sector, business houses, organisations and individuals to run such homes and support the children living there as part of their corporate social responsibility.

Inmates living in children homes are either juvenile in distress or in conflict with law.

Government officials say that a majority of children homes in the country have been neglected by local administrations. “Also there have been reports galore of how inmates in many of these homes have been abused,” a ministry official said.

As part of the scheme, the sponsors can focus on areas such as infrastructure, non-formal, remedial education and vocational training to help children become independent once they are out of the home. Sponsoring higher education for those in need and supporting healthcare is also an avenue the corporate funders can contribute in.

“The idea behind the scheme is to provide a vehicle by which corporate and individuals to take up some initiative that helps make a difference in the lives of the children living in such homes. The support provided will enhance their physical, emotional, intellectual, social and moral development,” said a WCD ministry official.

Private business houses will get recognition certificates for their contribution.