Deputy CM directs Delhi govt to take over Dwarka shelter home

NEW DELHI: Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Monday directed the Delhi government to take over the private shelter home in Dwarka (South-West Delhi) following the abuse of the two minor girls, reported recently.

Deputy CM Sisodia has also requested the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) to conduct an inquiry into the matter and submit a report within 15 days.

The Deputy Chief Minister has directed the concerned District Magistrate to immediately take over the shelter home and to ensure that the present staff is removed and the new staff is appointed in the home. Further, to ensure care and protection of all girls together and not separate these girls. He has noted that the developments regarding the abuse of minor girls in this home are extremely saddening. "It is the primary responsibility of the agencies specified under Section 30 of the JJ Act to ensure the care and protection of all children residing in shelter homes in their jurisdiction and this case is an example of the gross failure of this responsibility. In view of the note submitted by the Chairperson, DCW it is directed that action be taken immediately," the Deputy CM stated.

Deputy Chief Minister's direction follows the DCW communication, which stated that the expert committee constituted by the Commission for the purpose of social audit conducted a visit of the Home and was deeply disturbed to see the condition of the home. "The expert committee was appalled at the forms of punishment meted out to young children and teenage girls in the home. The older girls complained that any sort of defiant behaviour of the children would be met with serious and grave punishment because of which the girls had become submissive. Some girls mentioned that the home staff used to apply chilli powder in their private parts as forms of punishments," stated the

DCW report.