It seems that the fate of the rescued girls is yet to smile on to them! Otherwise the doors of 'Nari-Niketan' at Arsande near Kanke block would not have locked in the want of necessary facilities like security and matron.
Marking a history in Jharkhand on June 25, Chief Minister Raghubar Das inaugurated the one-of-its kind short stay home for accommodating girls and women battling with kinds of harassment, exploitation and trafficking. Alas, even after 11 days of the inauguration, the 'Nari Niketan' is unable to provide shelter to anyone and has tuned dysfunctional.
A team of this newspaper visited twice the place and got surprised to notice that the shelter home is locked from outside. Even locals were unaware of the activities taking place there since the CM opened it with much fanfare and media glare. Girls present at the time of inauguration have gone away.
Reason behind this seems to be the lackluster approach of the Social Welfare Department that has been assigned to take care of the shelter home. No one has been appointed as warden or matron to take care of the rescued girls. Worst is that no arrangement has been made for security of the inmates while earlier it was promised that Home Guard personnel would be managing the aspect.
However, when concerned officials of the Department were approached, they claimed that the appointment was in progress. According to sources, one Coordinator, one Warden, one cook, support staffs, a peon, a typist and two or three lady Home Guards are required to take care of the shelter home.
“Now that the building is inaugurated, we are focusing on the recruitment. It may be finalised by the end of this week. Unless, the appointment is done, the newly constructed Nari-Niketan will remain closed,” said Social Welfare Directorate's Assistant Director Sanjay Kumar.
Similarly, Jharkhand Women Development Society's Communication Officer Anita Sinha informed the process will complete within July. “Experienced women would be hired for at least a period of one year in the designated posts as per the contract policy of the state government. Presently, the entire matter is in process. We have written a letter to the Secretary of Home Department for providing three Home Guards. It will take some time,” Sinha added.
While definite answer coming about the proper functioning of 'Nari Niketan', question here is why the inauguration made in haste and without having all the arrangements in placeIJ
The Social Welfare Department had ferried five rescued girls from the 'Premashray' who were supposed to stay in this 'Nari-Niketan'. However, they were taken back to their old shelters soon after the CM, Social Welfare Minister louis Marandi, Social Welfare Principal Secretary Mridula Sinha and other dignitaries left the place.
Whereas, other girls and women suffering from the trauma, have been accommodated in missionaries like 'Nirmal Hriday' and 'Ursuline Convent' as alternative shelter homes. Minor girls rescued from trafficking, child labour are accommodated in Government financed 'Premashray' in the State capital and another shelter home in Gumla.
“We have to rely on others to keep the distressed elderly women. A functional 'Nari-Niketan' here would have eased the problem a bit,” said a staff of Mahila Thana, Kotwali.
The shelter home can house around 48 victims and accommodated in its 12 rooms for the period of three days which in special cases can be extended to 15 days and even more.