The officers who are in-charge of juvenile observation homes in Tamil Nadu should not only be strict but also kind enough to act keeping in mind the future of the children. MLA Vanathi Srinivasan has urged that only such people should be appointed in observation homes.
Coimbatore: BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan has urged the centre to ensure that children's observation homes function as reform schools.
In a statement, Vanathi Srinivasan said:
Juvenile observation homes were created to accommodate children below the age of 18 years who are involved in punishable offences. At the district level, these observation homes are functioning under the Social Security Department of the State Government.
Children under the age of 18 are often forced to commit crimes because of the environment in which they grow up. Therefore, the purpose of juvenile observation homes is to keep them alone and train them to guide the mind in the right direction.
However, incidents of children fleeing from juvenile observation homes in Tamil Nadu are frequent. A few weeks ago, 12 boys had escaped from the Tirunelveli Juvenile Observation Home. There have also been allegations that observation homes, which are supposed to function as reform schools, are not safe for children and have an unhygienic environment.
There are also reports that incidents of children escaping are taking place because of such a bad environment in which children cannot live. The Chief Minister and the Ministers should inspect the Juvenile Observation Homes from time to time. Basic amenities such as hygienic and nutritious food, adequate space, clothes, clean toilets, bathing facilities, yoga, exercise arrangements etc. should be provided.
The officers who are in charge of observation homes should not only be strict but also kind enough to act with a view to the future of the children. Only such people should be appointed in observation homes.
Because children are the future of our country. They are the riches of the country. This has been repeatedly reiterated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP government at the Centre is also implementing special schemes for children. Chief Minister M K Stalin should pay special attention and ensure that children's observation homes in Tamil Nadu function well and safely.