Uttarakhand State Commission for Women (USCW) Chairperson Vijaya Barthwal inspected Balika Niketan and Nari Niketan on Friday following the recent death of a girl housed in Balika Niketan.
Spotting some loopholes on both the campuses she stated that a letter will be given to the state government for taking the issue seriously and provided the needed facilities as soon as possible.
Taking serious note on the death of a minor in Balika Niketan, Barthwal directed the staff to discharge their responsibilities properly.
Addressing the media she said, “The cause of death of the minor is not clear from the post mortem report. The viscera has been sent for examination. Overall the children living there are fine and there is no such problem they are facing.”
It is important to mention that five inmates living in Balika Niketan are above 18.
Also, both Nari Niketan and Balika Niketan do not have counsellor on campus. A team of doctors checks the inmates once a week though there is no medical facility inside campus.
Talking about it Barthwal said, “We are aware of the issue in both the campuses. We have decided to write a letter to the state government for deputing two ambulances, a driver and staff 24x7 on the campus.
There is no medical facility inside considering which we think that at least two doctors should be appointed full time on campups so that basic treatments can be given to the inmates. Also, regular checking will be done.
We will also ask that at least one counsellor be appointed for help on the campus. ”
She further said, “The inmates living in the Balika Niketan who have crossed the age of 18 are living in a separate room.
The place where women are kept is decided by the court after their hearing. However, we will be writing a letter to authorities concerned regarding this as well,” she added.