Ministry of Women and Child Development
The Orphanages and Other Charitable Homes (Supervision and Control) Act, 1960, was enacted to provide for the supervision and control of orphanages, homes for neglected women or children, and similar institutions. The Act recognized the need for standardized guidelines and oversight mechanisms to ensure the well-being and safety of residents in these homes. It established a Board of Control to oversee the management of such institutions and introduced a system for recognizing and certifying homes that meet specified standards. This Act falls under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Enactment Date, Number of Chapters, Number of Sections:
The Act was enacted on April 9, 1960. It consists of five chapters and 31 sections.
Act Governed By:
The Act’s implementation is primarily overseen by a State-level Board of Control, which is responsible for supervising and controlling homes within the state. The State Government appoints the Board members, provides funding, and makes rules for the Act’s implementation.
On Whom It Is Applicable:
The Act applies to orphanages, homes for neglected women or children, widows’ homes, and other similar institutions. It does not apply to hostels or boarding houses attached to educational institutions, protective homes under the Suppression of Immoral Traffic in Women and Girls Act, or reformatories and similar institutions governed by other enactments.
Penalties/Punishments:
The Act prescribes penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for operating a home without a certificate of recognition or violating the conditions of the certificate. It also outlines penalties for managers who fail to comply with their duties or provide accurate information.
Important Pointers:
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Establishes a Board of Control in each state to oversee the management of homes.
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Requires homes to obtain a certificate of recognition from the Board.
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Outlines the application process and criteria for granting certificates.
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Empowers the Board to revoke certificates for non-compliance or mismanagement.
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Provides for an appeal process against the Board’s decisions.
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Specifies the duties of managers and managing committees.
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Requires reports regarding deaths of inmates.
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Provides for penalties for various offenses.
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Empowers the State Government to make rules and the Board to make regulations.