Youngsters give nod to home for teen destitutes

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It was only recently that the capital witnessed the plight of a pregnant destitute, who died giving birth to a baby on the pavement even as Delhiites walked passed her. In a city where there are many destitute women in distress, the Women and Child Welfare Department has notified a dormitory at the short-stay home in Nirmal Chhaya for would-be mothers in an advanced stage of pregnancy. The move aims to help pregnant teens who are victims of rape or incest, and those who have been dumped by their boyfriends. It seems like the initiative may help bring down the number of unsafe abortions and careless consumption of contraceptives.

“Just few days ago, I saw a young girl begging on the street. She was visibly pregnant and most probably not mentally fit. Who knows what she may have undergone to be in the state she was in. I felt sad for her, but was helpless as beyond giving her some money, I didn’t know what to do. It’s a good initiative to have a home for such girls, atleast they will feel secure and will be able to have some control in their lives,” says Monica Nathani, a Delhi University student.
Young politician Vani Tripathi suggests that more than just homes, teenagers need to be made aware about teen pregnancy. “These homes would be beneficial for rape victims. They’ll find security in such a place. But for teenagers who are being dumped by boyfriends, we need to spread awareness. Young girls don’t know about the right usage of contraceptives and abortion pills,” she argues.
However, more homes in the city would also help teens deal with the trauma of pregnancy better. “Not just the destitutes, but it would be a big help if such homes are made available for teenage girls as well, who often end up taking the wrong medicines and are misguided by their friends. These homes would be like safe havens for young girls,” says model and emcee Ramneek Pantal.
Tapasya Bishnoi, a school teacher concludes by saying that since there’s no dearth of homes for the destitutes in the city, government needs to lay stress on their execution. “There are umpteen homes for beggars in the city, and yet we see so many of them on the pavements. There are rehabilitation centres yet you can see drug users on roads, especially in Connaught Place. The idea is not to have one building assigned for a cause, but to ensure that these homes are well run and help solve the crisis. Young teen girls won’t go there if hygiene standards are not upto the mark along with safety,” avers Tapasya.