Medically examine all ashram girls: NGO

Balkrishan Prashar

Chamba, September 29

Following the recent “sexual harassment” of some inmates, the Childline Chamba has sought medical examination of all members living at Balika Ashram Chilli, a government-run orphanage for girls, near Tissa in Churah subdivision of Chamba district.

A total of 33 inmates reside in the ashram, including the six girls who alleged sexual harassment recently.

Addressing mediapersons here today, Childline Chamba coordinator Kapil Sharma said the medical examination would help investigate the case more efficiently.

Sharma said 186 complaints related to child abuse had been registered with the Childline Chamba in the past six months in the district. He said those complaints were related to protection from child abuse, child labour, child marriage besides seeking medical and education help.

“As many as 50 child labour complaints have been settled and 21 child marriages have been stopped in the district so far,” Sharma claimed, adding that in 49 cases help for school education was also provided to the beneficiaries by the Childline Chamba.