DCW issues notice to WCD dept over deplorable conditions at Nirmal Chaya home

After it conducted surprise inspections in the After Care Home for Women, Nirmal Chhaya Complex in April 2017, the Delhi Commission for Women observed several lapses in the functioning of the Home. As a result, DCW has issued a notice to the Department of Women and Child Development (WCD) over deplorable conditions at Nirmal Chaya.

The Commission had received several complaints from the residents of the Home. Through its visits, as well as interactions with the residents and staff, the Commission observed various severe issues prevailing in the Home.

According to DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal, almost all residents complained of harassment by the superintendent. Some written complaints were received against her conduct. An extremely serious complaint was received from a resident of 'Balika Greh', which stated that the superintendent even took the girl to her home, beat her and forced her to work for 15 days. The same was forwarded to Delhi Police and the WCD Department for necessary action.

The DCW observed that almost all residents were extremely concerned about their future. They informed that they are allowed to stay in the Home for a maximum period of three years, after which they are released from the Home. They stated that there is no rehabilitation policy at the Home either.

"The residents informed that severe restrictions are imposed on them and their movement outside the Home is severely curtailed. It has been alleged that a gate pass, which should be issued as a matter of right, are issued in a completely arbitrary manner," Maliwal said.