The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) on Wednesday issued summons to the Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare of the Delhi government, in the suo motu case taken up by the Commission in connection with the death of 11 inmates at the Asha Kiran Home.
The Commision issued summons to the Department of Social Welfare for non-submission of reply regarding the critical issue of the Asha Kiran Home, which "concerns the life and liberty of the residents." The Secretary has been asked to appear before the Commission on February 11.
After the death of 11 inmates at Asha Kiran Home for Mentally Disabled Persons came to light, the Commission had made a surprise visit on the night of February 4 and sought a reply from the Social Welfare Secretary within 72 hours over the deaths, poor and disturbing condition of the home and gross violation of human rights taking place in the establishment.
DCW has taken strong note of the fact that despite the passage of stipulated time, information sought has not been provided by the Social Welfare Department.
Notably, the Commission interacted with the inmates and observed the suffering the inmates go through. It was found that women inmates had to walk without clothes in the corridors, which had CCTV cameras monitored by male staff. Severely unsanitary conditions and overcrowding at the home was also noted.
The first notice issued by DCW also included concerns about the pitiable condition of the house, having urine and stool lying everywhere, practices which engaged mentally-challenged women doing odd jobs, the poor medical care unit at the house, shortage of staff etc.
The Commission has sought an explanation from the Secretary for the unreasonable delay in furnishing a reply regarding the issue.