Audit in Alandi dharmashalas exposes overcrowding, poor food & neglect

Pune: The Women and Child Development (WCD) department's audit has exposed alarming conditions inside several dharmashalas and religious hostels that house children in the temple town of Alandi, about 25 km from Pune.The WCD department officials said the exercise was aimed to identify violations and initiate action against institutions that operate illegally or fail to provide minimum standards of care. The move followed certain cases of abuse in the recent past.A major pilgrimage centre, Alandi has nearly 170 registered dharmashalas where children from different parts of Maharashtra and neighbouring states stay to learn kirtan, bhajan, pravachan and musical training in instruments like tabla, pakhawaj and harmonium.Officials noted overcrowded rooms, poor hygiene, inadequate food facilities and absence of basic educational and recreational infrastructure for the children staying in the institutions. Activists and officials said the reality inside many of these institutions is far from spiritual and educational as projected."In many places, five to six children are forced to live in a single cramped room. There are no proper kitchens and the quality of food provided is extremely poor," said a WCD official associated with the audit process.The audit also revealed that many children were allegedly sent to nearby villages to collect food, later served to them twice a day. Authorities are examining whether such practices amount to exploitation and violation of child welfare norms.Despite charging substantial fees for accommodation and religious education, many institutions reportedly lacked qualified teachers or structured training programmes. "Children are taught very basic skills. There are no dedicated music teachers or fixed schedules for learning. The overall atmosphere is adverse and does not encourage the growth of children," said activist Vilas Kate from Alandi.He said the system does not support the future of children living in the dharmashalas. "They neither receive proper religious education nor continue formal academic studies. Their future becomes uncertain, while some dharamshala operators continue to profit. The state must act firmly," he added.Officials also found several institutions functioning without necessary permissions from the state govt. Illegal construction activities also came under scrutiny during the inspections.Chief officer of the Alandi Municipal Council Madhav Khandekar told TOI: "Over the years, some sansthas have illegally added floors and expanded their premises without the municipal council's permission. Action has already been initiated against two institutions."However, local activists were not agreeable with the current action, calling it insufficient. They said it needed to be expanded to all violators. "The authorities have acted only against a few institutions, while many others continue to function. Action should be continuous and strict enough to send out a strong message," said activist Arjun Medankar.Parents often send their children to Alandi with hopes of religious and cultural education, but the students live in poor and exploitative conditions, he added.WCD department officials said a detailed report was being prepared and further action, including closure notices and criminal proceedings against erring institutions, may follow soon after.Child protection officer S Khokle, part of the inspection, told TOI: "We have decided to audit these institutes every three months now. This was our first exercise. We have learnt certain lessons in the first drive and will incorporate certain parameters in the next audit. The local administration will take the final action against these institutes. We will highlight issues institution-wise."
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