IMPHAL, February 11: Observing that lack of socialisation is the main ‘institutional drawback’ of children homes, several NGOs operating children homes mooted to break the institutional bearers to give the children not only quality care but a good future.
With the objective give social platform to inmates of children homes the Chanura Leikol, Children Home (UNICAM) today observed children’s meet under the banner ‘Chanura Leikol Day’ at Khurai Kongpal Laishram Leikai.
Delivering his key note address, LC Somorendro, secretary UNICAM, said that the meet was not only a platform for only the children but also give opportunity for the NGOs, who have dedicated for the cause of the underprivileged lot, to converged together to deliberate on their grievances.
He said that the meet will also give children the opportunity to expose their hidden talents and give awareness to the public that every child has equal right.
Somorendro further divulged that today the children homes run by NGOs are facing untold hardship in every aspect particularly shortage of funds.
In term of education, these homes can no longer rely on Government schools to give education for the children despite the appeal made by concerned Minister to enrol children in Government schools, he said.
He claimed that the classes in Government schools are very irregular with the teacher being irregular adding that sending their (homes) children to Government schools would tantamount to choosing wrong path for the children.
It has become the most challenging task for the children homes to make arrangement to send their children in private schools yet must taking into consideration the future of the children, he said.
Amidst the circumstances, a Child Welfare Committee (CWC), member of Bishnupur appealed the authority concerned to treat children funds under the ICPS as “emergency funds”.
Suggesting the Government to do away with the “encashment permit” system, he further observed the need to rectify some of the Act giving protection to Juvenile for more efficient in serving its purpose.
A former member of CWC Imphal East expressed his desire that the public should avoid addressing the children homes as ‘orphan homes’ to prevent stigmatisation. He also urged the authority to make the ICP schemes for accessible.
The CWC member further observed that lack of socialisation was the main ‘institutional drawback’ of children homes and added that this institutional barrier must be overcome to ensure best future for the children.
Delivering his chief guest speech, L Nabakishwar Singh IAS, Director Department of Social Welfare, conceding to the shortcomings including fund constraint, assured to look into the matter.
He appealed the NGOs not to hesitate to give their suggestion noting the initiative of the NGOs in grooming the young children.
Children from different homes situated in Imphal, teachers, officials of social welfare and guardians attended during the meet. Marking the meet musical performances was also presented by many artists.