State Homes for girls under scanner in Telangana
Victims of child marriages are also lodged along with others involved in cases
Hyderabad: Repeated attempts to run away from rescue homes and suicide attempts have put the state homes for girls under the scanner again. Legal experts and women’s rights commission members say the reason behind the escape of the girls and suicide attempts is that rescue homes have turned into jails instead of rehabilitation centres.
The victims of child marriages are also lodged along with others involved in cases. Advocates say that amendments must be made to the rules to release inmates on time. They should be released after they become majors or if their parents approach the home. The officials at the home say that they cannot take a decision, as they are handed over by courts.
“Very often, the inmates are forced to run away after they become majors. However, minors are also running away due to problems at the home. The courts should allow parents to visit the inmates. Once the terms set by courts are finished the process to release them from the home should be quick. Apart from this, they should be provided with amenities and counselling by experts. The police and child welfare department should work together to make sure the place is well maintained,” said advocate Kumar.
Most often, the girls are unaware of their case status and do not get any legal aid apart from government advocates. The girls should be kept busy so that they are not reminded of their past. “In countries like the US, a girl who comes to a rescue home is given the freedom to take up any course. But here they are given only limited options. They should be given career counselling,” said Mama-tha a member of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
Meanwhile, the Balala Hakkula Sangham expressed shock over the suicide attempt by three inmates. It demanded action against the officials.
"Harassment by officials is the main reasons for suicide attempts by children. In addition, delays in court trials, retaining the girls even after trials also lead them to such acts. We request an immediate enquiry into the matter and to shift the home immediately to a safe place," said Anuradha Rao, the president of Balala Hakkula Sangham.