NHRC Investigates Deaths at Delhi’s Asha Kiran Shelter Home
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is looking into the reported deaths of 12 inmates at Asha Kiran, a shelter home in Delhi for people with mental impairments. The NHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Commissioner of Police, asking for a detailed report within four weeks.
According to the NHRC, the 12 inmates who died between July 15 and July 31 included 10 women and 2 men. They showed similar symptoms like loose motion and vomiting. Many other inmates are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
The NHRC noted that 54 inmates were sent outside the facility for treatment in July, raising concerns about neglect and poor living conditions at the shelter home. The Commission stated that the deaths indicate negligence by the authorities.
The NHRC has asked for a report that includes the status of the FIR, actions taken against responsible officials, and steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
Asha Kiran has a capacity of 500 inmates but currently houses over 1,000, leading to overcrowding. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had previously flagged issues at the shelter home in a 2015 report, noting overburdening, lack of medical facilities, and staff shortages. A report by the Delhi Commission for Women in 2017 also highlighted poor conditions at the facility.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has called for a comprehensive inquiry into the state of all shelter homes run by the Government of NCT of Delhi (GNCTD), including the circumstances surrounding the deaths at Asha Kiran.
Doubts Revealed
NHRC -: NHRC stands for National Human Rights Commission. It is an organization in India that works to protect and promote human rights.
Asha Kiran -: Asha Kiran is a shelter home in Delhi. It is run by the government and provides care for people with mental impairments.
Chief Secretary -: The Chief Secretary is a high-ranking official in the state government. They help in managing the administration of the state.
Commissioner of Police -: The Commissioner of Police is the head of the police force in a city. They are responsible for maintaining law and order.
Lieutenant Governor -: The Lieutenant Governor is a representative of the central government in a Union Territory like Delhi. They have special powers to oversee the administration.
mental impairments -: Mental impairments refer to conditions that affect a person’s thinking, feeling, or mood. These conditions can make it hard for them to live independently.
notices -: Notices are official letters or messages. In this case, the NHRC sent notices to ask for information about the deaths at Asha Kiran.
inmates -: Inmates are people who live in a facility like a shelter home. In this context, they are the residents of Asha Kiran.
overcrowded -: Overcrowded means there are too many people in one place. This can make living conditions very uncomfortable and unhealthy.