Members of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) inspected the Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board (TNSCB) colony in Perumbakkam on Saturday. Though the members felt that the colony had improved in terms of health, safety and education facilities, the residents thought otherwise.
A team headed by R.G. Anand, member, NCPCR, and officials from the Tamil Nadu State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (TNCPCR) and TNSCB visited the colony. “I have recommended that the TNSCB take measures to set up an all-women police station in the colony. Police outposts have been set up now and CCTV cameras will be installed to ensure safety of women and children,” Mr. Anand told The Hindu.
He said there has been some improvement in the number of schools and anganwadis. “When I came here the last time, there was only one school. Now nearly five have been sanctioned. Similarly, the number of anganwadis have also increased. TNSCB officials told me that 15 more have been planned,” he said.
However, residents said though police outposts were set up, anti-social activities had not reduced in the locality. “We want visible policing inside the tenements to ensure safety of women and children. Besides, there are still no CCTV cameras,” said a resident.
Speaking about schools, the residents said existing schools, which were few in numbers, did not have any facilities. They also pointed out that the primary health centre lacked sufficient staff strength.
