District Judge conducts surprise check at Panchkula shelter homes

Panchkula District and Sessions Judge Sanjay Sandhir carried out a surprise inspection of three shelter homes in the district on Saturday to review and facilities available to children residing in these institutions.

According to Ajay Kumar Ghanghas, Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Panchkula, the inspection covered Bal Niketan in Sector 2, Shishu Greh in Sector 15, and Ashiana in Sector 16. Ghanghas accompanied the District Judge during the visit.

The inspection was conducted to ensure that proper care, protection and welfare measures are being provided to children staying in the shelter homes.

During the visit, the District Judge interacted with children, and enquired about their well-being, daily routines, education, and participation in extracurricular activities. He exhorted them to focus on their studies and actively engage in activities that support their overall development.

Sandhir held discussions with the staff and management of the institutions regarding the facilities being provided to the inmates.

He inspected various sections of the shelter homes, including the kitchen,

dining areas, libraries and residential rooms.

He checked the cleanliness and hygiene of bedrooms, bathrooms and other common areas.

Special attention was paid to the quality of food being served to the children, and the sanitation standards in the kitchens. Directions were issued to the staff to maintain proper hygiene and cleanliness at all times.

The District Judge also reviewed the availability of educational material in the libraries. He examined records related to the children’s stay, daily activities, medical care, safety arrangements and recreational facilities.

Appreciating the efforts of the staff members, Sandhir directed the authorities to further improve facilities wherever necessary and ensure strict compliance with standards prescribed for child care institutions.

Ghanghas said the District Legal Services Authority remained committed to

safeguarding the rights and welfare of children, and would continue to monitor such institutions to ensure a safe and supportive environment for their development.