HERALD: In your opinion what more needs to be done. What have been your observations at Apna Ghar as the then WCD Minister?
Dilip Parulekar: I visited Apna Ghar on several occasions as the WCD minister. Through interactions with the concerned officials and my personal observation, the Home needed a revamp. The inmates would create ruckus inside, break furniture, tube lights, and damage the window panes, grills, and doors. They would even assault the security, police and some staff at Apna Ghar. I was even told that they would threaten some staff. Not all children fall in this category but some indulge in notorious activities. Some of these children have criminal background and some overage (above 18 years). It is they who allegedly instigate the ruckus. But these instances and escapes have been going on for the last many years. I believe the law has to be strict because some inmates misuse the law. The judiciary should see all the sides. I know of an instance wherein a boy inmate assaulted the then Apna Ghar superintendent and the staff only to meet a girl inmate, who was supposedly his female partner, lodged in the other section.
HERALD: Then why did the department fail to initiate any action, and implement the recommendations of the Levinson Martins report despite its submission to the then governments in the year 2012?
Parulekar: We had accepted the report. It had short term and long term recommendations. We had immediately acted upon these like renovating the structure, segregating the boy and girl inmates, as well as children in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection. The first phase of infrastructure was complete and commissioned during my tenure. The type of food served to the inmates was also changed as per the recommendations. We also introduced play time, TV, and other extra curriculum activities for them. All the damaged furniture and lightings were replaced, and the windows grills were strengthened so that these are not used as means to escape from the home. There were also some changes in the staffs. Some long term recommendations were in the process of being implemented…
HERALD: You held the portfolio for five years, yet was there no action taken against all those indicted in the report, besides only one of the six caretakers named was suspended. Why?
Parulekar: The charges against him (Videsh Mandrekar) could be serious because of which he was suspended. Any communication regarding the matter would come to me through the then director and then WCD director. They would submit action taken report to me. If others who deserved penalty have not faced required action, then it wasn’t communicated to me properly. I am of strong opinion that all those who are on the wrong side of the law should be penalized, be it the government staff or whoever interacted with the children. The present minister is capable and I am sure he will take action appropriately.
