TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: Amidst uncontrollable violence at Apna Ghar, at least 24 juveniles have been shifted to different Children’s Homes in a bid to keep them away from the hostile inmates. The Department of Women and Child Development sought to downplay the move terming it as a routine exercise resorted to every summer vacation for children who return from hostels to the home at the end of the academic year.
The Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) of both districts ordered shifting the children to institutions, which are registered with the department. “These children are those in need of care and protection. Juveniles in conflict with law have been retained in Apna Ghar,” an official disclosed.
The move comes after around 10-12 children from CWC and Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) took the institution to rampage demanding their release. They not only caused injuries to four persons including two policemen but also destroyed property at the State run home Apna Ghar. A day later, six boys and girls escaped from the campus and are still untraceable.
Sources said that authorities are now taking precautions to ensure that juveniles, who are sent to boarding for education and return to Apna Ghar during summer vacation, do not encounter other inmates.
But, WCD Director Vikas Gaunekar said this is a routine exercise as per CWC order. In the same breath, he said children need large spaces which they get in the other Homes. “They are in need of proper vacation. As far as possible, they are shifted to other Homes because Apna Ghar is still undergoing revamp and these juveniles need open spaces,” he said. A total of 56 Children’s Homes have been registered with the department. It is learnt that more children are expected to be shifted to Homes, where talks are in process.
