NHRC Orders Replacement of the asbestos sheets roofing

NHRC Orders Replacement of the asbestos sheets roofing 

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) 

Year 1999-2000: Facilities for Foreign Nationals detained at Lamapur Seva Sadan : Delhi (Case No.693/30/97-98)

While considering the petition concerning the possible deportation of Shri Rongthong Kuenley Dorji, it came to the notice of the Commission that he had been detained at Lampur Seva Sadan, an institution for rehabilitation of beggars, administered by the Social Welfare Department of Government of NCT of Delhi. On 24 May 1999, the Commission directed the Director General (Investigation) [DG(I)] of the Commission to visit Lampur Seva Sadan to make an assessment of the conditions prevailing therein. After his visit to Lampur Seva Sadan, DG(I) submitted his report in which he stated that the foreigners were confined to a few barracks in one segregated corner of the campus, with a compound wall and a gate. Security was being provided by a section of the Rajasthan Armed Constabulary.

After considering the report, the Commission recommended that separate enclosures be created for foreign nationals and that the Government of NCT of Delhi undertake immediate repairs and to take the following steps to improve the arrangements:

(i) Replace the asbestos sheets roofing with roofing made up of some other material that would not be harmful to inmates.

(ii) Post adequate number of conservancy staff immediately for the cleanliness of the area and for the maintenance of the toilets/bathrooms.

(iii) Make separate cooking arrangements for the foreigners instead of supplying them food from the beggars home as that might hurt their sentiments and sense of dignity.

(iv) Consider provision of separate STD/ISD booths for use of the foreign detenues.

(v) Establish MI Room where a doctor and the para-medical staff are available round the clock for medical cover.

(vi) Issue proper instructions to ensure regular visits by senior officers to this detention centre.

The Commission also directed the Principal Home Secretary, Secretary and Director, Social Welfare Department and the FRRO of the Delhi Administration to visit the Lampur Seva Sadan and work out a proper strategy for bringing about ameliorative changes not only for the foreign detenues but also for the institutions for beggars located in the campus. The Commission has received a compliance report.