MP Lama Calls for End to ‘Naik’ System in Juvenile Reform Homes

National People’s Party (RPP) MP Saraswati Lama has called for the abolition of the ‘Naik’ system in juvenile reform homes, which she believes perpetuates a culture of violence and fear among the children.

Speaking at a meeting of the Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee at Singha Durbar, MP Lama emphasized the need to create a family-like environment in these homes, rather than just treating them as places of confinement.

She suggested that the staff and caregivers in these homes should be trained in child psychology and be physically and mentally fit to handle the children.

MP Lama also proposed that the facilities provided in these homes should be comparable to those available to ordinary children outside, and that the children should be taught meditation and prayer to help them develop inner discipline and a sense of morality.

She expressed concern over the ‘Naik’ system, which involves selecting certain children from among the inmates to act as informers or monitors, and suggested that this system should be abolished and replaced with direct supervision by security personnel or official staff.

MP Lama also recommended that children who have reached the age of 18 should be transferred to other facilities in accordance with state policy, and that the state should be strict in implementing this policy.

She emphasized the need to provide counseling and guidance to children who have committed minor offenses, and to take into account the nature of the offense when determining the punishment.

MP Lama concluded by saying that the children should be made to understand the impact of their actions on society and the victims, and that this understanding is essential for their true rehabilitation.