The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an explanation from the Delhi government over the plight of homeless children in the capital and the lack of dedicated night shelters for them, the commission said.
An NHRC official aid Friday that the commission took suo motu cognisance of media reports that a survey by an NGO found more than 10,000 children living on the streets of Delhi and most living near bus stands and railway stations where they easily find menial jobs.
“The report said that of the 76 temporary shelters in Delhi, not one is dedicated to children. And children are not allowed in the shelters meant for adults and families. It seems that the Delhi government has forgotten about the children,” the official said.
The commission, therefore, issued a notice to the chief secretary of the Delhi government, asking for a report within two weeks.
The commission has asked for the government’s response to four questions – whether any guidelines have been framed for the care and protection of homeless children in Delhi, if any periodic surveys are conducted to assess the number of such children; whether the government has framed any scheme for separate schemes for boys and girls; and how many children are staying in shelters meant for adults
