Sindh Orphanages Act yet to be implemented

More than 30 orphanages operating in Sindh are unregistered along with the orphans living there

KARACHI: Even after the passage of 43 years, successive governments have failed to implement the Sindh Orphanages (Supervision and Control) Act, 1976, in the province. For the first time, however, measures are being taken to enforce it.

More than 30 orphanages are operating in Sindh and none of them are registered with the social welfare department as required under the Act. They are being run in different districts of Sindh under the administration of various welfare organisations and institutions. Most orphanages are registered as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and according to sources, the children are being used to simply generate funds.

Thousands of orphans living in these shelter homes are also not registered under the law and the legal provisions pertaining to their health and education are also not being followed. Despite millions of rupees in funds, the living conditions in the orphanages are bad and no appropriate arrangements have been made for their education, which would make them productive members of the society.

The government doesn't even have a proper administrative setup to manage these orphanages.

Social Welfare Department Secretary Taha Ahmed Farooqi confirmed that none of the orphanages operating in Sindh were registered with the social welfare department. He added that the government did not have any data about the number of children living in these institutes or where they go after turning 18. He said that what was more serious was the concern about the girls living there. He admitted that serious efforts were needed in this regard.

For the first time, however, the registration process has been initiated by the social welfare department, which has also established the Sindh Darul Atfal Board.

Farooqi said that detailed orders have been passed by the Sindh High Court and the department was responding to the sensitivity of the situation and the responsibilities to the orphans.

The Sindh Darul Atfal Board comprises 15 members, including people from the private and business sector as well as the judges of the high court. The provincial government for the first time has devised a detailed plan to provide education to the children living in the orphanages and develop their skills.

Work on the plan has started and a pilot project, in collaboration with different organisations, has been launched. The social welfare department has also sent the summary of funds required for the improvement in the administration of orphanages and other affairs to the Sindh Chief Minister.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 2^nd, 2019.