Pune News: State Women’s Commission Orders Action Against Unauthorized Warkari Educational Institutes In Alandi
Pune News: State Women’s Commission Orders Action Against Unauthorized Warkari Educational Institutes In Alandi
Pune, February 4, 2025: Rupali Chakankar, Chairperson of the State Women’s Commission, has directed authorities to take action within 48 hours against unauthorized Warkari educational institutes in Alandi. This directive follows multiple complaints received by the commission regarding the sexual exploitation of children in Warkari student hostels in the Alandi area. Chakankar reviewed the existing police investigations and conducted an inspection of the educational institutions.
Present at the meeting were Deputy Superintendent of Police Shivaji Pawar, Commission Member Secretary Nandini Awade, District Women and Child Development Officer Manisha Biraris, Sub-Divisional Officer Anil Daunde, Tehsildar Jyoti Devre, Senior Police Inspector B.S. Narke, Chief Officer Kiran Kendre, and local residents.
After reviewing the investigation, Chakankar stated that numerous complaints have been filed about misconduct and child sexual abuse in Alandi’s Warkari educational institutions, a place of great reverence for Warkaris. She urged the police to expedite their investigations and take proactive measures to build trust with the children, encouraging them to come forward if there are more such cases.
Chakankar emphasized that, according to the government regulations from the Women and Child Development Department, private hostels must adhere to specific guidelines. Reports on non-compliant institutions must be submitted within seven days. Institutes must have permission from the District Women and Child Development Department and be registered with the Charity Commissioner’s office. Action against unregistered institutions must be taken within two days.
She further added that institutions with permissions but not following regulations should have their approvals revoked. Boys and girls should have separate living arrangements, adequate staff, proper accommodation, independent study rooms, and sufficient bathing and toilet facilities according to the number of children. Institutions must also ensure clean and sterilized drinking water and admit children based on parental requests.
A local committee comprising the police department, Women and Child Development officials, revenue authorities, municipal representatives, educators, and local residents will be formed. This committee will regularly inspect these institutions and submit reports to the education department.
During her visit, Chakankar interacted with local residents to understand their concerns regarding Warkari educational institutions. She also visited some of these institutions to inspect student accommodations, enrollment records, and other facilities.
