State cancels recognition of 72 child care homes, including three in Nagpur shut two years ago

The State government has cancelled the recognition of 72 children's homes run by voluntary organisations in the State. Three homes in Nagpur are on the list, but all three had closed about two years ago.

After the recognition period ended, these organisations did not submit any application to renew their recognition certificates. For this reason, the government issued a Government Resolution formally ending their recognition.

Under the rules, any voluntary organisation must obtain recognition from the government to run a children's home. The recognition is generally granted for five years. After five years, the organisation has to get the certificate renewed through the prescribed procedure.

Nagpur city currently has 11 children's homes and infant homes in operation: seven children's homes and four infant homes. The city also has an observation home, where children in conflict with the law, who are involved in various offences, are kept. Of the seven children's homes, four are government-run and three are run by private organisations. All four infant homes are run by private organisations.

Children's homes shelter children aged six to 18 who, for some reason, do not get family protection and proper care. The homes take responsibility for their accommodation, food, education, health and other essential facilities.

The purpose of the homes is not only to provide shelter. They also aim to bring children into the mainstream of society through education and values. Along with schooling, attention is paid to their all-round development and rehabilitation, so that after turning 18 they can stand on their own feet and lead self-reliant lives. Many children complete their studies while living in the homes and go on to build a better future.

Infant homes provide shelter and protection to children from birth up to six years of age. These include children abandoned after birth, or whose parents are unable to care for them for some reason. Special attention is paid to their upbringing, health and safety.

If a couple or an interested person comes forward to adopt a child during this time, the child is given in adoption after the prescribed legal process is completed. If nobody comes forward to adopt, arrangements for the child's further care and protection are made in the children's home as per the rules.