Shocking Revelations During Surprise Inspection
In a startling revelation that has exposed the grim reality of child care facilities in Maharashtra, National Human Rights Commission member Priyank Kanoongo conducted a surprise visit to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Centre, an observation home for boys in Yerawada, Pune, on Sunday. What he discovered during his unannounced inspection has raised serious concerns about child rights violations and administrative apathy.
Deplorable Living Conditions Uncovered
The inspection revealed multiple instances of neglect and rights violations affecting the 70 boys currently housed in the facility designed for 100 children. Kanoongo found filthy premises, dysfunctional toilets, and inadequate educational facilities that violate basic human rights standards. The most shocking revelation was the complete absence of privacy in washrooms, with doors standing at merely two feet high, raising serious dignity concerns for the young residents.
Kanoongo expressed deep distress over the conditions, stating, "There is complete apathy on the part of the administration and the state government towards these children. They are flouting all norms." He particularly highlighted the inappropriate mixing of children of different age groups and the concerning practice of housing convicted and under-trial juveniles together, which goes against established juvenile justice protocols.
Kitchen Horrors and Staff Shortages
The situation in the kitchen area was equally alarming. Investigators discovered stale food and learned that on weekends, when staff and superintendent take leave, the children are forced to cook their own meals. Due to staff shortages during weekends, the boys are also confined indoors for two consecutive days, denying them basic recreation and outdoor activities.
The superintendent must stay on the premises, but he doesn't, Kanoongo noted, pointing out the absence of proper supervision. The counsellor position has been vacant, with the incumbent sent to another department on deputation, forcing the administration to rely on NGO social workers. The complete lack of a duty roster and the outsourcing of state responsibilities to NGOs without proper monitoring mechanisms further compound the problems.
Administration's Defense and Counter-Claims
Gajanan Chate, superintendent of the home, refuted several allegations while acknowledging some operational challenges. He explained that the facility has five barracks with attached washrooms and claimed the two-foot gap above toilet doors was a safety measure to prevent untoward incidents. Chate admitted he was on leave during the inspection and would resume duties on Monday.
Regarding staff shortages, Chate revealed that both sanctioned cook positions remain vacant, forcing them to rely on a cook from the beggars' home on deputation. He acknowledged that children sometimes help with cooking due to staff shortages and admitted that security concerns sometimes prevent children from going outdoors when staff is limited.
Educational Neglect and Physical Abuse
Perhaps the most disturbing findings involved educational opportunities and physical treatment. Kanoongo alleged that the home failed in its rehabilitation duty when it denied a student who cleared the law entrance examination permission to attend counseling sessions. This directly contradicts the observation home's fundamental purpose of rehabilitating children in conflict with the law.
The children also reported being beaten with sticks, constituting clear violation of child rights. In another concerning practice, all children receive mandatory tonsuring in the name of haircuts, disregarding individual dignity and personal expression.
Intimidation and Systemic Failures
Kanoongo reported being intimidated by officials during his inspection, who warned him that "if you make videos of these disorders, the judge sir will take action against you." This attempt to suppress documentation of violations highlights the deep-rooted problems within the system.
A social worker formerly associated with the home confirmed that these issues aren't new, indicating systemic failures in implementing Juvenile Justice Board guidelines. The complete overhaul of monitoring and review systems for such facilities appears urgently needed.
Call for Immediate Action
Kanoongo has committed to writing to the Chief Minister detailing the appalling conditions and demanding immediate intervention. "We will issue a notice to the chief secretary of the state and take action. I request the chief minister to take immediate and concrete steps towards the protection of these neglected children of Maharashtra and their rehabilitation," he asserted.
Emphasizing the importance of sensitive treatment, Kanoongo reminded authorities that "These children are not criminals. They are the future, and they need sensitivity from all of us." The Women and Child Development department of Pune district, responsible for the home's upkeep, now faces serious questions about its monitoring effectiveness and commitment to child welfare.
