Admin defies orders, deploys cops in uniform at orphanage

Women police constables in uniform were deployed on the premises of Unique Home orphanage here despite the orders issued against it by director (social security, women and child welfare) Gurkirat Kirpal Singh.

Women police constables in uniform were deployed on the premises of Unique Home orphanage here on Thursday, despite the orders issued against it by director (social security, women and child welfare) Gurkirat Kirpal Singh.

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During his visit to the orphanage on Wednesday, Gurkirat had asked the district administration not to deploy police personnel in uniform in the orphanage.

The managing director of the orphanage, Prakash Kaur, said the police presence had left the child inmates terrified. "It is utter insensitivity on part of the administration," she said.

Except for the girls who had to attend their tuition classes, all others were confined to the orphanage on Thursday. Prakash Kaur said only four girls were allowed to go out of the orphanage on Thursday, which had virtually turned the place into a prison for the children.

"I will look into the matter. The administration has been asked to deploy women police personnel in civil dress in the orphanage and women cops in uniform outside to maintain law and order," said Gurkirat.

"The management of the orphanage has been asked to submit a dossier giving details about the girls living there, including the date on which they were adopted, from where the orphanage staff found them, their age and the school/colleges where they are studying. As soon as they provide this information to the police, we will remove the restrictions," said Gurkirat.

He said they had received an application from the orphanage management on running the adoption centre as per the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act. "We will complete the formalities in the next two-three days, after which the Unique Home staff can run the affairs of the orphanage on their own," he added.