A report released by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) says that in eight prisons meant for women in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Maharashtra, Bible lessons are being taught to children even if they are not Christian, reports The Indian Express.
The NCPCR report is based on 144 responses received from women prisoners, their children, heads of children’s homes and hostels, heads of schools and prison officials.
Under the section, “Problems identified during the visits and issues observed in jails”, the report points out that prison in Lucknow had permitted an NGO to teach the Bible to the children living there. It is clear that there is a serious attempt of evangelization of these children by NGOs involved in activities related to women’s’ prisons and education.
On a surprise visit to a children’s home run by the Asha Deep Foundation in Ghaziabad, children of women prisoners said that teachings of a particular religion other than the one practised by them were being taught to them.
“The Commission conducted a surprise visit and retrieved around 26 Bibles from the lockers and rooms of the non-Christian children,” the NCPCR report said.
“The Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 defined these children as ‘Children in need of Care and Protection’ and makes it binding on the State machinery to ensure that these children do not fall prey to institutions which not only compromises with their safety and security but denies them the right to preserve identity, including nationality, name and family relations as recognised by the law without unlawful interference (UNCRC),” the report stated.
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