New Delhi, 3rd January, 2014

The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that about 1.5 lakh destitute persons are spending life in Delhi on footpaths and over-bridges. It is also reported that as per the Government's orders, the shelter home in the metro cities must get operational as soon as the minimum temperature reaches below normal, but the shelter homes in Delhi are still lying unattended though the mercury reached 4 degree below normal.

The Commission has observed that the issue raises concerns as it may cause loss of lives. It has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of NCT of Delhi calling for a report in the matter within four weeks.

Reportedly, there are only 175 shelter homes in Delhi, which cater to around 7 thousand homeless. These Homes too are facing scarcity of infrastructure and sanitation. According to the plan of the Delhi Development Authority, which is yet to be implemented, there must be a night shelter in every area having one-lakh population.

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