Mumbai: The Bombay high court on Thursday sought to know from the state govt why 94 homes for mentally deficient children in Maharashtra are not functioning.
“The state shall indicate reasons as to why 94 homes are either not operating or non-functional at all in the state and the steps taken to revive the functioning of aforesaid mentally deficient children (MDC) homes,” said Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Makarand Karnik in the order.
The court was hearing a 2014 PIL by activist Sangeeta Punekar that highlighted “the shocking state of affairs” at the 100% state-aided home in Mankhurd that has 265 inmates and is run by Children’s Aid Society. Punekar’s PIL was based on TOI’s report on the December 31, 2012, party held in the home in which 26 mentally challenged girls were made to attend. Subsequently, a report by police officer Rashmi Karandikar confirmed there was popping of champagne and showering of money on dancers. The HC appointed Karandikar as she was the investigating officer of child abuse cases at Kalyani and Kavdas orphanages in Thane and Panvel. The Crime Branch’s inquiry report said it was a cultural programme and no such thing happened.
Senior advocate Zubin Behramkamdin, assisting as amicus curiae (friend of court), said the state has taken steps to ameliorate the conditions, yet some steps are required to be taken. The state’s advocate Abhay Patki said, “Govt is willing to take measures for children’s welfare.” The judges then issued several directions. The state shall indicate whether it consulted experts, including the Maharashtra State Coordination Committee for Child Protection, and ascertained the appropriate number of MDC homes required in state. It shall give details of the functioning of committees, including for rehabilitation or coordination and inspection committees required to be constituted under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.
The state’s affidavit shall disclose amount of grant paid per MDC home as a pro tem measure. It shall also indicate action taken to enrol children under the Nirmaya Health Insurance Scheme. Further, it shall inform about vocational training for inmates of MDC homes and whether benefits under Sarva Shikshan Abhiyan have been extended to them. The judges asked for “comprehensive affidavit” from the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and adjourned the hearing to June 16.
Mumbai: The Bombay high court on Thursday sought to know from the state govt why 94 homes for mentally deficient children in Maharashtra are not functioning.
“The state shall indicate reasons as to why 94 homes are either not operating or non-functional at all in the state and the steps taken to revive the functioning of aforesaid mentally deficient children (MDC) homes,” said Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Makarand Karnik in the order.
The court was hearing a 2014 PIL by activist Sangeeta Punekar that highlighted “the shocking state of affairs” at the 100% state-aided home in Mankhurd that has 265 inmates and is run by Children’s Aid Society. Punekar’s PIL was based on TOI’s report on the December 31, 2012, party held in the home in which 26 mentally challenged girls were made to attend. Subsequently, a report by police officer Rashmi Karandikar confirmed there was popping of champagne and showering of money on dancers. The HC appointed Karandikar as she was the investigating officer of child abuse cases at Kalyani and Kavdas orphanages in Thane and Panvel. The Crime Branch’s inquiry report said it was a cultural programme and no such thing happened.
Senior advocate Zubin Behramkamdin, assisting as amicus curiae (friend of court), said the state has taken steps to ameliorate the conditions, yet some steps are required to be taken. The state’s advocate Abhay Patki said, “Govt is willing to take measures for children’s welfare.” The judges then issued several directions. The state shall indicate whether it consulted experts, including the Maharashtra State Coordination Committee for Child Protection, and ascertained the appropriate number of MDC homes required in state. It shall give details of the functioning of committees, including for rehabilitation or coordination and inspection committees required to be constituted under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.
The state’s affidavit shall disclose amount of grant paid per MDC home as a pro tem measure. It shall also indicate action taken to enrol children under the Nirmaya Health Insurance Scheme. Further, it shall inform about vocational training for inmates of MDC homes and whether benefits under Sarva Shikshan Abhiyan have been extended to them. The judges asked for “comprehensive affidavit” from the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and adjourned the hearing to June 16.