CWC, JJB exist only for namesake in Ukhrul
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray
Ukhrul, February 22 2014 :
What ails Ukhrul-based Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and Juvenile Justice Board (JJB)? There's nothing public can rely on these institutions still limping to find a foothold.
In a recent official inspection led by the High Court of Manipur justice N.Koteshor Singh, the shoddy affairs in these institutions came to the fore, much to the embarrassment of all concerned.
The visiting team found the mode of functioning in CWC and JJB unsatisfactory and overtly perplexing.
CWC in Ukhrul, which is being run in a small-room office, has no proper file and functional computer.
In a manner so unbecoming of official institution, the visiting legal luminary had to suggest the staff to 'maintain a proper file' .
Of the recommended eight-member staff needed in CWC office, there are only four staffs and only two were present on the day when authorities comprising CJM K.Pemila conducted the inspection.
Justice Singh had lot to say during his 25-minute stay in the office.
On visiting the JJB office, located adjoining the El Shadai Resource Centre, the official team was greeted with more surprises.
The office is nothing but a precarious small room with few chairs, an empty almirah, a table and an ornamental computer.
Justice Singh was informed by one of the three staffs that the institution has not handled even a single juvenile case and that the desktop computer was installed just a day earlier.
CJM Pemila told this reporter that the JJB office was opened just few days earlier on learning about the official visit and inspection from Imphal.
One was compelled to imagine whether its properties were also just taken on rent for the day.
In fact, the incumbent CWC and JJB have been instituted following an order of the Governor issued in 2012 .
A pertinent question is--what have they been doing with so many responsibilities at hand? .
Ukhrul in the last few years reported a number of cases relating to child trafficking.
The Jaipur case, for instance, hit headlines in the media across the country and the victims are dominantly from the district.
The manner in which the CWC and JJB are being run appears to be nothing but complete eyewash.
Whose fault is this? Are the authorities ignoring these institutions and resorting to piecemeal treatment based on issue? Negligence, incompetence and insensitive seem to be the factors at play in these significant institutions.