Sorry state of affairs: Punjab CM stumbles upon orphaned orphanage

A surprise visit to a girls’ orphanage by Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar uncovered the negligence of the Social Welfare Department (SWD).

Buzdar paid a surprise visit to a girls’ orphanage called Kashana in Township area on Wednesday. The chief minister inspected the institution and inquired about the facilities being provided to them.

Several girls claimed that they have to clean the entire building themselves because there aren’t any janitors. Moreover, there are no gardeners, teachers or even governesses to look after the children.

The girls also asked the chief minister to hire a janitor, claiming that they have to clean the entire facility themselves.

Hearing the children’s complaints, the chief minister expressed his displeasure and dissatisfaction regarding the facilities that were being provided to differently-abled students and orphaned children at social welfare institutions.

The chief minister directed SWD officials to improve the situation on a priority basis. He also directed officials to recruit janitors, gardeners, teachers and governesses for the orphanage, adding that a compliance report should be sent.

He stressed that orphans need to be cared for properly and assured them that their every need will be fulfilled.

“Looking after orphaned children is a religious and a social obligation,” he emphasised.

The chief minister also visited the social welfare complex and inspected various welfare institutions set up for destitute children and the elderly. He was disappointed by the unhygienic conditions and gave officials ten days’ time to improve the situation.

“If matters do not improve within the given time period, action will be initiated against the officials concerned,” he maintained.

Buzdar directed the Punjab Minister for Social Welfare Muhammad Ajmal Cheema to personally monitor the progress regarding the improvement of facilities.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 27^th, 2018.