The children housed in the district’s correctional homes are currently grappling with difficulties due to the insufficient management of these facilities.
The issue emerged as the capacity of the correctional home was exceeded by the number of children requiring accommodation. Presently, there are 42 children residing in the Children’s Correctional Home in Doti. Among these occupants, 30 individuals have already had their cases adjudicated, while 12 are being held in pre-trial detention.
The cramped conditions have prompted one of the children to voice concerns about having to share a room, facing sleeping problems, and encountering challenges while queuing for restroom facilities.
Sano Maya Gurung, the acting administrative head of the correctional home, lamented that despite a legal provision mandating the segregation of children under 18 and those over 18, the lack of proper management makes it necessary to accommodate children of varying ages together.
Furthermore, the absence of a playground has limited opportunities for the children to engage in recreational activities. Shortages of vehicles pose difficulties in transporting the children to court hearings or medical appointments when needed. It was also revealed that a vacant position for a health worker in the children’s correctional home remains unfilled.
In response to these challenges, teachers from the local Padma Public Mukti Narayan School have taken initiative to provide education to the children outside of regular school hours.