Rights panel summons officials over delays in child care complex projects

Taking suo motu cognisance of prolonged delays in constructing Integrated Child Care Complexes across Haryana, the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has summoned senior officials to appear before it on August 20. Those summoned include the Director of the Women and Child Development Department, the Chief Engineer of the Haryana Public Works Department (Buildings and Roads), and the Deputy Commissioner of Gurugram.

The Commission has also sought comprehensive progress reports on the construction of Observation Homes, Special Homes, Places of Safety, and Children’s Homes —facilities mandated under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

The summons follow a review of status reports submitted on April 28, 2025, which revealed significant delays in multiple districts. In Beed village, Hisar, approximately 85% of construction has been completed. However, critical systems such as fire safety, rainwater harvesting, and an electrical substation are pending due to lack of final administrative approvals. A revised project estimate of Rs 44.14 crore has been submitted for clearance.

In Jaji village, Sonepat district, nearly 88% of the work has been finished, with the final slab of the administrative block currently under construction. The targeted completion date has been set for September 13, 2025. In Ambala’s Sadopur village, the project has received administrative approval of Rs 59.31 crore and a financial sanction of Rs 13.47 crore, with tenders likely to be floated by May 30, 2025.

However, the HHRC expressed concern over Gurugram’s inaction. “Despite over seven years having passed, no suitable land has been identified for the project,” the Commission noted. A letter dated January 13, 2025, revealed that a previously chosen site was found unsuitable, and no alternative has since been finalised.

Emphasising the urgency, the HHRC stated, “Each category of child care institution serves a distinct legal function and must remain functionally and physically segregated, as mandated by the Juvenile Justice Act.” The Commission stressed that construction must strictly comply with all statutory norms.