Living conditions at Bala Mandiras deplorable

Upa Lokayukta directs to involve Chief Judicial Magistrate in addressing children’s grievances

Mysore/Mysuru: The Upa Lokayukta also visited the Government Girls Home or Bala Mandira on Nanjangud road and the Boys Bala Mandira in Vijayanagar Fourth Stage and was disturbed by the appalling conditions at both the homes. 

Following the visit, a suo motu case has been initiated by Justice Phaneendra here also. The allegation is dereliction of duty. Justice Phaneendra has exercised powers under the Karnataka Lokayukta Act to register a suo motu case against officials responsible for mismanagement and maladministration.

The Upa Lokayukta’s order extends to Deputy Director of Women and Child Development Department Basavaraj, District Child Protection Officer Yogesh, Superintendent of Girls Bala Mandira Sharada Devi, Protection Officers of Girls Bala Mandira Latha, Jayanthi, Superintendents of Boys Bala Mandira Gurumurthy and Mohan.

Complaints and allegations

During his visit, Justice Phaneendra interacted with the inmates of Bala Mandira and received several complaints and allegations regarding the living conditions and treatment of the children.

The complaints mentioned by the inmates include poor quality and unpalatable food, with instances of worms found in rice and vegetables, denial of education opportunities, such as not being allowed to pursue 10th standard or 2nd PUC  (PU course).

Students complained about lack of sports equipment and participation in cultural activities. They alleged distorted recording of counselling sessions, lack of bedspreads and blankets, and officials collecting money from their parents.

The boys and girls also told the Upa Lokayukta of the authorities obtaining their signatures on blank papers and restricting contact with their parents and relatives. They also alleged partial treatment, ill-treatment and curbing of talent by officials.

Physical abuse

Children complained about inadequate sports equipment and use of unsuitable materials during sports activities. The Upa Lokayukta has mentioned in the initiation of proceedings report that the children are subjected to ill-treatment, physical abuse, confiscation of personal items and mistreatment by hostel authorities and staff.

Students also complained about the theft of personal belongings, refusal to provide proper uniforms, and misappropriation of donated items. The boy students urged Justice Phaneendra to direct the officials to accord permission to wear colour clothes and allow them to play football at Chamundi Vihar Stadium.

Appoint child-friendly staff

The Upa Lokayukta has directed officials to make frequent visits to the Girls and Boys Bala Mandiras and address grievances with a humane approach. “Assign the District Child Development and Protection Officer to examine the allegations and take necessary actions, including shifting misbehaving officials and appointing child-friendly staff,” Justice Phaneendra said his order.

This apart, officers have been asked to ensure availability of books, study materials, sports equipment, bed linen and blankets for the children. Justice Phaneendra has directed compliance reports on the implementation of these measures within 15 days of the receipt of the order.

Noting the deplorable living conditions and emphasising the importance of a child-friendly atmosphere and the prohibition of corporal punishment, Upa Lokayukta has asked the higher officers to take appropriate action against officials who ill-treat children and appoint individuals with a good background in child care. He has also directed involving the Chief Judicial Magistrate in addressing the grievances of the inmates.