MP Lama Stresses Humane Approach for Juvenile Correction Homes

Kathmandu. Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) MP Sarala Lama has emphasized the need to develop juvenile correction homes not just as places of confinement, but as centers managed by skilled human resources who understand family environments and child psychology.  

Speaking at the meeting of the Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee held at Singh Durbar today, MP Lama presented her views on the human rights and rehabilitation of children in juvenile correction homes. Discussing the report submitted by the subcommittee for inspection and observation of the condition of children in juvenile correction homes, she offered various suggestions for the management of correction homes and the improvement of children's behavior.

MP Lama stated that the staff or guardians assigned to correction homes should be physically and mentally capable, and understand child psychology. Discussing the facilities provided in correction homes, Lama said that the arrangements should be balanced with the country's economy and the facilities available to ordinary children outside. Her suggestion is to arrange for meditation and prayers or sermons according to their religious beliefs to make children disciplined and moral.  

She mentioned that spiritual consciousness would help them become internally disciplined and stay away from crime in the future. MP Lama objected to the 'Naike Pratha' (leader system) prevalent inside the correction homes. According to her, selecting a leader from among the inmates is creating further violence and fear among the children. Therefore, she demanded the complete abolition of the Naike Pratha and direct supervision by security personnel or official staff.

She stated that individuals who have reached the age of 18 should be transferred elsewhere according to state policy, even if against their will, and the state should be strict about this. She also emphasized the need to arrange punishments based on the nature of the crime and to give opportunities for reform through counseling to those who make minor mistakes.  In the meeting, MP Lama expressed the view that true reform is possible only if children are made to understand the impact of their mistakes on society and the victims.