KOCHI: The state government has taken over Aluva-based Jana Seva Shishu Bhavan (JSSB) for three months. Biju Prabhakar, special secretary, social justice department, issued the order based on a series of complaints. Violations included illegal detention of children from other states, lack of proper documentation and the missing of children.
An inspection by Ernakulam district child welfare officer on April 21, 2018, could find only 42 children and 62 were missing. The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) had in April 2017 found 104 inmates, but the JSSB authorities were unable to provide a proper explanation. The order for taking over the JSSB established in 1999 by Jose Maveli is the culmination of a series of legal proceedings. A complaint was launched initially by the CWC in May 2017 citing violations and
sought action against promoters.
The action was based on a letter by the Kerala State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights. Although the Shishu Bhavan moved the High Court to quash the order, the HC dismissed it and directed to appeal to the Sessions Court. The Additional Sessions Court also dismissed the petition in June 2017. The Ernakulam district CWC then approached the government, culminating in the takeover.
