Thu May 22 16:26:29 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Child rights organizations in Andhra Pradesh are urging the government to release overdue funds for Sishu Gruhas (specialized adoption agencies) and Bala Sadans (children’s homes). These homes, housing over 500 vulnerable children, have been without funding for six months, hindering their ability to provide adequate care, including following proper menus and purchasing necessary medications. District Child Protection Officers and home supervisors have raised concerns, while a Principal Secretary for Women Development and Child Welfare claims the budget has been sanctioned and proposals for the first quarter are pending release.
**News Article:**
**Andhra Pradesh Children’s Homes Face Crisis Due to Funding Delays**
**Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh – May 22, 2025** – Hundreds of vulnerable children residing in Sishu Gruhas (specialized adoption agencies) and Bala Sadans (children’s homes) across Andhra Pradesh are suffering due to a critical shortage of funds. Child rights organizations are calling on the state government to immediately release the budget, which has been pending for the last six months.
According to sources, the lack of funding is impacting 46 Bala Sadans and 26 Sishu Gruhas, which provide shelter for rescued child laborers, victims of child marriage and sexual offenses, abandoned infants, and orphans. The Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) rely on these homes to care for children referred to them by law enforcement and other agencies.
“More than 500 children are staying in these government-run facilities, and the budget has not been sanctioned for six months,” stated a District Child Protection Officer (DCPO). “This severely impacts our ability to provide adequate care.”
The government typically sanctions ₹2,500 per month for each child in Sishu Gruhas and ₹3,000 per month for those in Bala Sadans. A supervisor at one of the Bala Sadans explained, “As there are no funds, we cannot follow the menu or buy medicines for the children.”
The crisis has raised concerns about the well-being of these vulnerable children. James Phillip, a child rights activist, emphasized the urgent need for the government to act.
However, Principal Secretary for Women Development and Child Welfare, A. Surya Kumari, told The Hindu that the budget for all Sishu Gruhas and Bala Sadans has been sanctioned. “We have sent proposals for the first quarter budget, which will be released shortly,” she stated.
Whether this promise will translate into immediate relief for the struggling homes remains to be seen, as child rights organizations continue to press for the swift release of funds to ensure the safety and well-being of the children in their care.
First Piper 