The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has discovered that the two children homes – Umeed Aman Home for Boys and Khushi Rainbow Home for Girls – run by ‘social activist’ Harsh Mander have had several instances of child sexual abuse.
Both these children shelters are located in South Delhi and were established by the founder of Centre for Equity Studies, Harsh Mander who was once the member of the powerful National Advisory Council (NAC) created by Congress President Sonia Gandhi.
The teams were formed and were led by the NCPCR Chairperson himself to investigate the matter and according to the NCPCR, “It was informed by the Former Member (of the NCPCR) that the said complaint was received in the Commission in 2012 but the matter was not dealt adequately at that time and that the same is required to be looked into in light of present complaint that has been received by the Commission.”
The NCPCR also was shocked that the centre flaunted numerous norms and regulations at these homes including COVID-19 norms. It was found that social distancing norms were also not observed.
Other violations that have come out in the open during the NCPRC investigation is that the Umeed Aman Ghar’s registration was not renewed, there was no adequate counsellor, no medical officer available on call, no cook or helper available and shockingly there were no records of the recruitment of each staff or work profile.
The commission observed that “The rooms of the home was not segregated and there was a mingling of minor children with the elder children, which made the minor children vulnerable to abuse and bullying by the elder children.” The NCPCR said, “The response given by the Staff and In- charge of the Home regarding this matter has been observed to be misleading and incorrect which is a serious violation and offence.”
NCPCR also said it has knowledge of sexual abuse continuing in the shelter home and yet, it was not being reported.
After the inspection was carried out by the NCPCR the following recommendations have been made:
1. Departments of WCD and Education of the Government of Delhi to take a serious view of the matter and initiate an investigation into the serious lapses and violations at the two shelter homes.
2. Investigation to be carried out against the inspection officials so as to comprehend how these glaring flaws were ignored for so long.
3. Economic Offences Wing of the Delhi Police investigate the multiple sources of funding of these shelter homes and the Ministry of Home Affairs has also been urged to investigate possible FCRA violations.
Another disturbing aspect that has emerged from the investigation is that foreign nationals had visited these homes for “voluntary service”, and the NCPCR has asked the Home Ministry to investigate whether any VISA violations had been committed.