The state-run child care homes meant to look after children are overcrowded. Information obtained through an RTI, a copy of which is with Governance Now, shows that out of 14 such institutions run by the department of women and child welfare of Delhi government under Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, six have children much more than the sanctioned strength.

Like Anupama Children Home for girls in West Delhi has a sanctioned strength of 100. But at present, 218 girls stay there. Similarly, Anukriti Children Home for girls in the same location has the sanctioned strength of 100 but has 141 girls.

Another home in North West Delhi, Sukhanchal School and Home for Mentally Retarded (Girls), has a sanctioned strength of 75 but it is home to 174 children. Whereas, Vikasini Home for Mentally Retarded children in the same area gives shelter to 268 children when it has a sanctioned strength of just 100

Children admitted to these homes are either lost or have been abandoned. They are either picked up from the streets or are found deserted in hospitals and public places.

There are total 21 state-run child care institutions and the RTI reveals information of 14 of them.

Pratidhi, NGO which filed the RTI, says these homes are overcrowded and it becomes difficult to attend each child. “A report of Child Welfare Committee on one of these homes shows that the children live in dirty and unhygenic  conditions.  Like Kilkari child care centre has a sanctioned strength of 50 but 111 girls were registered. And for more than 100 girls, there are just four toilet seats,” says an NGO representative.