Unregistered children homes to face action: DC

It is mandatory to register all children homes, running for orphan, destitute and helpless kids up to 18 years age, in the district under Section 41 (1) of the Juvenile Justice Act 2015. In case of violation of this Act, strict action will be taken against the operators of the children home under Section 42, which can include punishment up to one year and a fine of Rs 1 lakh or both.

Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal said under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, such homes, which are run by government or non-government organisations and provide shelter, food and care to the orphan, destitute or helpless children from 0 to 18 years, are required to register under Section 41 (1) of this Act. This provision also applies to all children homes, whether they are receiving government grants or not.

The DC said for the registration, the institutions had to submit an application by filling Form 27 under the Juvenile Justice (Model) Rules, 2016. After inspection of the children home by the District Level Inspection Committee, the proposal for registration will be sent to the state government. He said after the application, the government issues provisional registration for 6 months. After thorough verification of documents, the children home will be permanently registered for 3 years.

Komal Mittal said that if any non-governmental organisation is running a children home without registration, then it should be immediately reported to the DC's office or District Child Protection Unit, Hoshiarpur.