Bengaluru: NCPCR writes to Karnataka govt on 200 children being cramped in orphanage

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has urged the Karnataka government to take action against a Bengaluru-based orphanage, describing the living conditions of the children there as reminiscent of a "medieval Taliban life."

Following an unannounced inspection of Darul Uloom Sayideeya Yateemkhana in Kaval Bairasandra in Bengaluru, NCPCR chairman Priyank Kanoongo revealed multiple irregularities in a post on X.

The inspection exposed an illegally operated and unregistered orphanage with approximately 200 children. Disturbingly, up to eight children were found cramped in a 100-square-foot room, with 40 children residing in five such rooms and 16 in the corridor. The remaining 150 children, who engage in nightly prayers in the mosque, sleep in two separate halls.

Kanoongo highlighted that all 200 children spend their days studying Islamic religious education in the namaz halls, with none attending a regular school.

The living conditions were further exacerbated by the absence of toys and a ban on television. The chairman expressed concern, stating, "Small children are very innocent and so scared that when they see the Maulvi coming, they all stand still and close their eyes."

The NCPCR emphasized that this situation amounts to negligence on the part of the Karnataka government and constitutes a violation of constitutional principles. The commission has directed the Karnataka chief secretary to initiate legal proceedings against the orphanage in light of these distressing findings.