L- G fast- tracks work on new Asha Kiran Homes
With almost all the Asha Kiran Homes in the city presently overcrowded, the social welfare department has been directed to speed up the work on under- construction special homes, devoted to “special children,” in the national capital.
Three homes, dedicated to “mentally- challenged” children, are at present being built by the department at Narela and these are likely to be commissioned by March 2015. According to a senior department official, the directive to speed up the work was issued by lieu- tenant- governor Najeeb Jung during a recent review meeting. “The L- G has emphasised not only the need for completing the projects on time, but try to push for an earlier date for completion since the existing Asha Kiran Homes are working beyond their capacities,” the official said.
The official said that Mr Jung also urged the department to ensure equipping these schools efficiently and impart proper training to the teachers and staffers as these children require not only proper training and rehabilitation, but also a smooth transition back to the society.
At present, the existing Asha Kiran Homes in the national capital are purportedly overcrowded with more than 800 children against the capacity of 350. The newly underconstruction buildings are expected to house an estimated 2,000 special inmates. The buildings would consist of an administrative block, an auditorium, a library, 20 rooms to accommodate the children, besides toilets and other facilities.
The official said that emphasis of the department is to seek an early intervention for such children and detect their needs to ensure their proper rehabilitation.