PUNE: Alandi Municipal Council (AMC) and women and child welfare officials on Saturday shut down a spiritual education institute after officials found alleged abuse of minor girls and several violations of child protection norms. As many as 47 children, 43 boys and four girls, living in the facility have been relocated to govt-run child-care institutions for rehabilitation. The facility trains children in bhajan and kirtan. The institute, with branches in Alandi and Nanded, is operated by a kirtankar and survives on donations. Alandi is known for spiritual institutes where students are trained in preaching, kirtan, bhajan and musical instruments like tabla, pakhawaj and harmonium. Most students come from Marathwada and Vidarbha and are admitted to local schools for their academic studies. These institutes charge nominal fees.Alandi institute didn’t have any approval to house kids The recent shutdown of a spiritual school in Alandi followed a joint inspection by municipal officials, police personnel, and officers from the district child protection unit after complaints surfaced regarding the treatment of children at the institute. A case has been registered in Nanded by the parents of a minor girl.During the inspection, officials reportedly found that the organisation was operating without the mandatory permissions required to house children in a residential facility. They said the institute had admitted several children for spiritual education but did not comply with basic legal and welfare requirements prescribed under child protection laws. It did not maintain records of the kids staying on the premises.Madhav Khandekar, chief officer of the council, told TOI, “Preliminary inquiries show disturbing allegations of physical and mental exploitation of minor girls staying at the institute. The matter has been registered with the police and a formal investigation is underway.” No arrest has been made so far. Child welfare officials said counselling and medical assessments are being arranged for the children to evaluate their physical and psychological condition.“The institution did not possess the required licence to house children. Several basic norms mandated under child welfare regulations were also found missing,” a senior official associated with the inspection said.The inspection team reportedly found that several facilities, including the dining hall, classrooms, and sleeping areas, were located in the same space, raising concerns about hygiene and safety. Investigators pointed to the absence of separate washrooms and bathing units required for children. Based on these and other findings (see box), authorities under govt directives to shut down the institution with immediate effect.Child protection officials said the priority now is the rehabilitation of the children and ensuring their continued education and care. “The children have been shifted to government-recognised child care institutions where they will receive proper shelter, education and counselling support,” an official said.
