Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung today asked the government to build more night shelters for homeless, especially women and children, to provide them a safe place during winter.
The LG also ordered constitution of a Committee, consisting of members from NGOs and government, to address the problems of shelter, security, food, health and sanitation being faced by homeless citizens in Delhi, an official statement said.
The Committee would submit its report within three weeks.
Stressing on the need for a policy on the issue, the LG directed the officials to ensure proper treatment to people who were in need of the state support.
"The committee would ensure to evolve a comprehensive and sustainable plan for the homeless people in Delhi," the statement said, adding the committee would ensure to evolve a comprehensive and sustainable plan for the homeless people in Delhi.
Jung also drew attention towards the needs of homeless women and children as they were most vulnerable, saying "NGOs and the government to work in tandem for homeless people."
The meeting was attended by senior officials from Delhi Government, Municipal Corporations, Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Police, and representatives from various NGO's working for the homeless people.
The representatives of NGO's apprised the LG of the difficulties being faced by them in running the shelter homes in various parts of Delhi.
They said due to increase in the number of homeless people they were facing problems in providing adequate facilities.
Seeking more help and financial assistance from the government and necessary sensitisation of officials on the issue of homeless, they stressed on the need for permanent shelter homes "so that the homeless can live peacefully not only during the winters but throughout the year."
Jung advised the NGO representatives and government officials attending the meeting to think apathetically and the objective should be to help these people join the mainstream of the society.
Director, Women and Child Department, government of Delhi apprised the Lt Governor that 173 shelter homes were being run by the Delhi Government with financial assistance from DUSIB and with the help of NGOs, the statement said.
