Sindhutai Sapkal: Online petition making waves, CM Fadnavis, Ministers Maneka Gandhi, Piyush Goyal promise swift action
Moneylife Digital Team 05 July 2016
An online petition seeking justice for noted social reformer Sindhutai Sapkal alias Mai, the mother of orphans, initiated by Founder-Trustee of Moneylife Foundation, Sucheta Dalal, has so been signed by 20,419 people (at 5.45pm, as on 5 July 2016), from across the country. The petition hosted in Change.org seeks to prevent over 1000 children from being forcibly returned to government orphanages. Here is the link to the online petition https://www.change.org/p/devendra-fadnavis-stop-harassing-sindhutai-sapkal-don-t-close-down-her-orphanages. The petition has got the government to act.
While Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told Moneylife that state government "has started the process", Union Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi said she had asked the state government to intervene in the issue. Earlier, immediately after hearing about the online petition, Union Minister for Power Piyush Goyal too had offered help.
In a message, CM Fadnavis said, "We have started the process." Later the CM's Office CMO tweeted about asking the concerned official to grant permission to Mai's organisation.
CM Devendra Fadnavis, Sindhutai Sapkal, Sanmati Bal Niketan
Union Minister Gandhi, in a tweet on Monday also said she is examining the issue of Sindhutai's orphanages.
Ms Dalal had said in the petition that "the government orphanages are severely underfunded and overpopulated. There is no room for these children and their lives will be destroyed by this hasty decision. Sindhutai Sapkal has dedicated her whole life to bringing up orphaned children with singular dedication and devotion. The quality upbringing she provides these children - including food, stay and education - has led to many of these children growing up to become lawyers and doctors. Sindhutai has been trying to get her orphanages registered since 2011. The Government made her run around and refused to cooperate. Now they want to shut her down for not being registered."
The online petition is addressed to CM Fadnavis and Union Minister Gandhi to help Sindhutai continue her great work.
As reported by Moneylife, Maharashtra’s Department of Women and Child Development (WCD), pressures Sapkal to oust orphans residing in her Sanmati Bal Niketan and hand them over to the department to rehabilitate them to government orphanages. Reason? Because Sanmati Bal Niketan is not registered with WCD and hence, is being considered as an illegal entity. This, despite Sapkal running from pillar to post, since 2011, in order to have the institution registered.
Maharashtra has no funds for its own orphanages, but was attempting to orphan the ‘Mother of Orphans’. Recently in the WCD committee meeting held at Aurangabad, its minister, Pankaja Munde did not take any decision on the financial grant of Rs200 crore, for meals for the 150-odd government orphanages in Maharashtra, due to alleged lack of funds. This has sent nervous signals across orphanages in the state.
Comments
S.S.A.Zaidi
10 years ago
I am so happy .But did it need a petition???
Dr. Rakesh Goyal
10 years ago
CONGRATS
subramanian dharmarajan
10 years ago
the title of the petition could have been more respectful.it seemed as if the MH CM was directly involved in this.Just like pm modi is held directly responsible if someone has constipation..And hopefuly a thank you note is also due from sucheta and company.
Suketu Shah
10 years ago
The power of unity in a positive direction.Congrats Ms Dalal and moneylife.Congrats respected CM Mr Fadnavis for jet speed quick action-Maharashtra's best CM ever.
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