MP govt nod for probe in functioning of child shelter homes

Madhya Pradesh Women and Child Development Minister Maya Singh today agreed to form a panel of MLAs to probe the functioning of government-aided child shelter homes in Sagar district, following ruckus in Assembly over the issue of some children missing from one such centre.
During Question Hour, Congress member Harsh Yadav sought information regarding the number of children in shelter homes in Sagar as he alleged that some children have gone missing and suspected human trafficking in it.
However, the minister, in her reply, said there were 23 children in Kabir shelter home on November 19, 2013, and following an order on November 24 last year, 13 were shifted to Sanjeevani Bal Ashram while eight others to Saint Francis Sewa Dham Ashram.

Dissatisfied with the minister's reply, Yadav demanded a high-level inquiry or by members of the House into the children going missing.
In the meanwhile, BJP members Shailendra Jain and Pradeep Laria alleged that religious conversion was taking place at Saint Francis Sewa Dharm Ashram, and demanded formation of a panel of MLAs to look into the functioning of shelter homes.
The treasury and opposition Congress members demanded a probe into the functioning of shelters homes by a committee of MLAs.
Amid the din, the minister said district Collector and Commissioner will inquire into the matter and reiterated that no child was missing from Kabir shelter home.

However, the unrelenting members pressed for a probe by a committee of MLAs into the functioning of shelter homes in Sagar, to which Maya Singh finally agreed.