Govt issues circular to check abuse of minors at shelter homes

The Maharashtra government has issued a circular to all district offices of Child Welfare Committee with suggestions and guidelines on checking sexual and physical abuse of minor inmates in shelter homes.

This was informed to the Bombay High Court by Advocate General Darius Khambata earlier this week during hearing of a suo moto PIL on a news report, which highlighted alleged sexual abuse of 35 girl inmates in a Nashik shelter home. The issue came to notice in April after the inmates sent a letter to NGO Childline alleging sexual and physical harassment by a trustee and four other male employees. "A circular has been issued to all district offices of the CWC regarding modalities on how such children shelter homes should be conducted and the role of CWCs. A district- wise committee shall also be formed which will conduct surprise inspection on shelter homes," Khambata said.