DCW summons Social Welfare Secretary

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 13

The Delhi Commission for Women today issued fresh summons to the Secretary, Social Welfare in the suo motu case of Beggar Home taken up by the Commission in connection with alleged “gross violations” of human rights of the woman inmates, including foreigners who also alleged racial discrimination.

The DCW also issued summons to the foreigner regional registration office (FRRO) for “non-submission” of complete information on the complaint of foreigners detained in the Beggar Home. Both organisations have been asked to appear before the Commission on January 17.

The Commission after a surprise inspection of the ‘Beggar Home’ in the Nirmal Chhaya Complex on January 5 had sought a reply over the 'disturbing' conditions in the Home from the Secretary, Social Welfare of the city government within 72 hours.

The Commission interacted with the inmates and the staff for several hours.

“The visit and interaction with the 17 inmates (who were all foreign nationals) and staff brought to light 'extremely serious' human rights violations of women in the ‘Beggar Home’. The panel also received a complaint from the inmates in this regard,” read a statement issued by the DCW.