For the last fifty-four years, employees of the Children’s Aid Society (CAS), Mumbai’s oldest child-welfare institution, at 98 years old, have waited for justice. Despite risking their lives to rehabilitate vulnerable children, these Class III and IV staff remain deprived of pension, medical cover, and leave encashment, even as similar organisations receive full state benefits. Many retired workers now live in poverty. The society’s proposals, supported by ministers, remain stuck with the state finance department despite requiring a budgetary allocation of only Rs 1 crore annually. Employees now plead for urgent state government intervention or warn of a statewide agitation.
History
For the care of orphans, destitute, street children, those in conflict with law, victims of anti-social acts, and children with disabilities, the Bombay Children’s Act, 1924, was enacted. In 1927, the Children’s Aid Society, Mumbai, was formed under Governor Sir Leslie Wilson and Working President JBH Hodson, converting the historic Dongri Jail — famous in the freedom struggle — into India’s first remand home. Today, under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, the society runs seven residential homes, schools, and training centres, admitting children via the Juvenile Justice Board and Child Welfare Committees, rehabilitating them into responsible, empowered adults. However, officers and staff serving under the government-approved structure of this essential service organisation have been deprived of natural service benefits. The society is controlled by the department of women and child development.
Appeal and warning
With civic elections approaching and many employees being Mumbai residents, they hope the government will resolve this long-standing issue. The CAS Employees’ Union has demanded that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis (chairman of the society), Deputy CM (finance & planning), and the minister for women & child development immediately convene a joint meeting with the Union to settle this matter. The union is contemplating agitating at Azad Maidan and may even approach the court if their plea is not heard.
Importance and national recognition
>> CAS is a pioneer in India’s child welfare and juvenile justice system.
>> It has contributed to national policy formulation through the Planning Commission (now the NITI Aayog).
>> Awarded the National Award for Best Child Welfare Organisation in 1983 by the President of India.
>> Recognised as a “State” under Article 12 by the Supreme Court.
>> Authorised to use the State Emblem.
Despite its stature, employees remain deprived of benefits such as pensions, insurance, and medical reimbursement.
Other critical issues
>> Earned leave accumulates, but leave encashment is denied, a glaring contradiction.
>> The Seventh Pay Commission and allowances are implemented, yet pension remains unpaid.
>> Minister Aditi Tatkare has inspected homes,
praised staff, held review meetings, and directed submission of a Cabinet proposal — yet the finance department has denied approval three times.
>> Employees continue to wait helplessly for a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
