NEW DELHI: Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has summoned Secretary of Social welfare department in connection with the horrific conditions at a state-run-shelter and deaths of 11 mentally retarded inmates.
DCW chief Swati Maliwal had earlier this week slapped notices on the department's Secretary Dilraj Kaur over the issue after spending a night at the home with her team and also constituted an enquiry in this regard. However, in wake of no response, the women's panel has summoned her on February 11.
"Considering the extreme gravity and critical nature of the issues which concern the life and liberty of the residents of the Asha Kiran Home, you are summoned to appear before the commission on February 11," the summon read.
"If you fail to comply with this order without lawful excuse, you will be subjected to the consequences of non-attendance as provided in law," it added.
During her visit to the home, Maliwal found it extremely crowded as four persons were sharing each mattress and toilets were extremely unhygienic and a shortage of staff.
She said there were no adequate blankets for the inmates in the winter season and even wheelchairs were not being used as women and children in need were crawling on the floor unattended to reach the toilets.
Following the incident, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had directed the Chief Secretary to intervene immediately and file a report within a week.
Kejriwal had also expressed his displeasure against the Secretary of the Social Welfare Department that runs the shelter and sought to know the reason behind her silence on the deaths, that reportedly took place over the last two months.