The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently told the Bombay High Court that there are three de-addiction centres for street children at Nair, JJ and Sion Hospital. The HC said, “the needs and problems of these children have to be addressed in a humane manner.”
Rehabilitation schemes
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Naresh Patil and Justice M.S. Karnik was hearing a public interest litigation that sought for rehabilitation schemes by the BMC and the State for street children.
The court was informed that the Centre funds BMC through authenticated NGOs under the National Urban Livelihood Missions for the welfare of street children and the committee headed by the secretary of the Maharashtra Government Nagar Palika Sanchalan regulates the distribution of funds to the NGOs and audits their functioning for ensuring that the money is ultimately utilised for the benefit of the street children.
Vijay Raghavan, the amicus curiae pointed out that the BMC approximately receives ₹8 crore in a year.
The BMC’s counsel Hiten Venegavkar told the court that out of 214 Marathi-medium schools, 67 have been shut down from 2014 and 23 have been converted into English.
He also said that the BMC has issued letters to Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority and Airport authority to give the BMC funds for construction of shelter homes and shoulder the responsibility.
As of 2013, a head count had revealed that there are approximately 37,000 children found on the street.
The court inquired if the State in coordination with the BMC is considering a survey of street children, area-wise night shelters, whether the grants distributed under the Central Mission is utilised properly and accounts are audited.
The court said, “undoubtedly, the needs and problems of such children have to be addressed in a humane manner. We have no manner of doubt that the Task Force headed by chief secretary would deal with all these issues of priority in the meeting, which shall be convened at the earliest.” It adjourned the hearing for January 16.