VISIT TO ASSAM SISHU KALYAN SADAN, (DESTITUTE HOME), JALUKBARI,GUWAHATI. Date : 24-12-2006
Members of the Legal Assistance Forum visited Assam Sishu Kalyan Sadan, a Destitute Home situated at Jalukbari, Guwahati. There were 32 inmates including 21 children (both boys and girls) and 11 elderly women, none of whom had any relative or home of their own. The institute is run on private donations, though earlier State Government used to provide some funds.
The Forum arranged for afternoon meals for the inmates. It was a matter of both satisfaction and happiness to have lunch and sweets with the children. The Forum organized visit by Dr. Mrs. Kalpna, Child Specialist, who examined the children and gave the required vaccination.
While interacting with the children, it was found that some of them were going to nearby Government Schools and others desired to go to school. However, Mr. N.Sonowal, President of the Home informed the members that these children do not have birth certificates and their future is at stake since for applying for any job in any institution, one has to produce birth certificate and fill up guardians name. The members were informed that the management of the Home has applied to the Municipal Authorities for grant of birth certificates of the children, which are yet to be issued. The members of the Forum assured all necessary legal help in this regard.
The members were told by the President that one PIL by Sadan relating to monetary problem is pending in High Court where they have requested the Social Welfare Department to give annual grant to meet expenditure of the Sadan and to undertake self sustaining measures for income generation as well as vocational training for the inmates. It is very essential for the State Government to contribute funds needed for the betterment of the children and to run such institution. The members of the Forum offered legal help in this regard.
