Orphanages see a mushroom growth in Kashmir

Srinagar, Dec 6: In a growing concern, the number of orphanages has seen a mushrooming growth in recent years, sparking concerns among people.

The residents in Kashmir have reported encounters with individuals claiming to represent different orphanages, creating confusion and raising questions about the authenticity of these appeals.
Even some individuals are utilising vans to solicit funds within the city and other districts.

The lack of a clear mechanism to verify the credentials of these mobile fundraising initiatives has left citizens uneasy.

The absence of proper checks poses not only financial risks for well-intentioned donors but also potential harm to the vulnerable children in these orphanages.
According to the official data accessed by Greater Kashmir, there are a total 121 children’s homes in J&K.

Out of 121, 64 are registered, which are operated by NGOs, the government operates 45.

In addition, there are two observation homes, four open shelter homes, and 12 specialised adoption agencies (Cradle Baby Reception Centres) in J&K.
In Srinagar, 15 orphanages are registered, of which five are government run CCIs and 10 are NGO run CCIs.

Besides, five other CCIs are unregistered.

Five government run registered CCIs are Palaash for boys, Parisa for girls, Observation Home, Open Shelter for Girls, and specialised adoption agency, Phulwari.

There are above 3000 children registered with these childcare institutions who are orphans and destitute.

Chairperson of Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Srinagar, Khair-un Nissa told Greater Kashmir that an inspection had already been conducted to check the unregistered homes.
She said that they were also conducting drives to close some Child Care Institutions (Orphanages), which were functioning without registration.

Khair-un-Nissa said that they had asked all the police stations to provide details regarding the orphanages, which are functional in their concerned jurisdictions.
“We are taking action after receiving complaints from the people. It was not possible for us to visit every area," she said.

"There are five unregistered Child Care Institutions in district Srinagar. They have already applied for the registration process but due to lack of some legal formalities and documents, their registration is pending," Khair-un-Nissa said.

She said that their department is continuously checking the documents and basic standards of the (CCI's) orphanages in District Srinagar.

“Last month, the District Level Inspection Committee conducted Inspection of all 15 registered CCI's for renewal or re-registration,” Khair-un-Nissa.

She said that if any institute would not apply for the registration process, then under section 42, action would be taken against them.

“They will be put behind bars for a year and have to pay a fine of Rs 1 lakh,” Khair-un-Nissa. “The role of child care institutions is to provide a safe, secure and family environment to the children. Abandoned, surrendered, orphan, victim of abuse, conflict children are registered in these orphanages. We have certain provisions for these enrolled children like sponsorship (in which we can sponsor), adoption or foster care.”