Asha Kiran shelter home is a government-owned facility in Delhi, India, established to care for mentally challenged individuals. It provides residents with living accommodations and necessary medical treatment and operates under the Social Welfare Department of Delhi. Initially designed to house around 560 individuals, the shelter has become significantly overcrowded, currently accommodating 961 inmates. This overcapacity has led to severe strain on resources and staff, exacerbating existing challenges in providing adequate care.
Recently, Asha Kiran has faced a tragic situation where 14 inmates lost their lives due to what has been attributed to inadequate management and a critical shortage of both medical and non-medical staff. These deaths occurred primarily in July 2024 and have sparked widespread concern and criticism from various quarters, including legal, governmental, and public domains.
The Delhi High Court intervened in the matter on August 7, 2024, ordering the Secretary of the Social Welfare Department to take immediate action to address the staff shortages and any other pressing issues at the shelter. The court emphasized the urgency of the situation, stressing that delays in acquiring necessary approvals and clearances have led to preventable losses of life. The court also highlighted the critical need for new recruitments and decongesting the facility to ensure the safety and well-being of the inmates.
Decongestion is top priority. Doctors visiting the dormitory and the shortage of the staff, medical as well as non-medical staff that has to be addressed and we should empower the secretary to employ staff on contractual basisDelhi High Court
To mitigate the overcrowding, the court advised exploring additional facilities, such as municipal buildings, to temporarily house some of the residents. Moreover, the Secretary has been instructed to start appointing staff immediately on a contractual basis to expedite the hiring process. The court warned that failure to comply could result in a judicial order enforcing these actions. The Secretary committed to personally oversee the situation, ensuring all necessary clearances and approvals are obtained. The next hearing is scheduled for August 12, 2024, where the court will review the progress made in addressing these issues.
(Input from various media sources)
(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)