KARACHI, Mar 1: A comprehensive approach will be adopted to streamline the finances and administrative set-ups of shelter homes, known as Darul Ammans, run by the provincial government in different cites of Sindh.

This was decided in a meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary, Fazalur Rehman, on Wednesday.

Mehtab Rashdi, the Sindh Secretary for Social Welfare, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, stressed the urgency for improved administrative measures and adequate funding for all government-owned shelter homes.

Highlighting the objectives of these facilities meant to provide shelter and necessary support for destitute women and those with no other shelter, the secretary also maintained that rules and regulations for managing these facilities were needed to be modified and made pragmatic.

“Major focus is to ensure security and protection of these women,” she said. These women inmates are often accompanied by their kids too.

Dr Habiba Hasan, Managing Trustee of ‘Panah’ – a shelter home run by a local women association, and its administrator, Aneela Ansari, present there offered all necessary support in improving the working of the Darul Amman, mainly catering to women from the lowest socio-economic segment.

The chief secretary appreciating their offer said that on receipt of a formal proposal of support by Panah, the government will initiate a comprehensive uplift plan for Darul Ammans.

He observed that resource constraints had emerged as major obstacles, and NGOs working for the cause of women, particularly for destitute women, would be invited to collaborate with the government for improving standards at public sector shelter homes for women, children and destitute people.

Mr Fazal said a similar strategy would be adopted for improving orphanages and centres for the disabled across the province.

He underscored the need for close coordination between the administrators of rehabilitation centres for the disabled, destitute and orphanages.

Qurban Ali Memon, Provincial Coordinator for Social Welfare, presented a detailed review of departments and centres run by it.

Additional Secretary (Culture) Rabia Javeri, Deputy Secretary, Implementation and Coordination Naukhaiz Anwar Siddiqui, and Deputy Director Social Welfare Salahuddin also attended the meeting.—APP