The controversy started after the death of the founder- president, J.D. Sharma, when P.N. Bhandari, who was at that time working as the Honorary Secretary of Bal Niketan, was elected president at a meeting in August this year.

Talking to Newsline, Bhandari said, "After Sharma's death, his wife, Kamla Sharma, was given the post of chairperson and I was given the charge of president. But the indifferent attitude of the then honorary secretary of Bal Niketan and the rejection of my proposals led me to submit my resignation."

He added that his resignation was accepted by Kamla Sharma, the chairperson, who promised that a general body meeting would be soon called to fill his vacancy through an election. "But the meeting has still not been called," Bhandari said. Some of the members have also alleged that the meeting must be called soon as Kamla Sharma being a chairperson does not enjoy any executive or administrative powers in this capacity and hence is not entitled to accept the resignation of the president.

However, when Kamla Sharma was contacted, she had a different view point altogether. She said, "The meeting could not be called as the Honorary Secretary, Madhu Sharma, who happens to be my daughter-in-law, has to be present. The meeting will be certainly called next month." On being asked whether she was authorised to accept the resignation of the president, she said, "Since Bhandari had sent his resignation directly, I had to accept it and moreover, I had personally requested him to take back his resignation. But he did not agree."

Kamla Sharma added that she was still not aware of the circumstances that led to his resignation, as in his letter he had just mentioned that he was taking this decision "on personal grounds".

Meanwhile, vice-president of Bal Niketan R.C. Sharma said, "Bal Niketan is a voluntary organisation and everyone has the liberty to resign as per his own convenience. Moreover, at least five members should submit letters requesting that the general body meeting should be called."

As for the moment, the members are waiting for the general meeting as only then can some conclusion be reached at. But for the time being, whether Bal Niketan is running with or without a president is still undecided.

The venture had been started by the founder president J.D. Sharma with a batch of only 10 children at his own residence. Later on a 1.5 acre plot was acquired and now the cost of property which has around 12,000 sq ft covered area is in crores. The orphanage receives grant-in-aid from the government of Haryana besides voluntary donations which take care of the boarding, lodging and education of all the children besides satisfying their medical, recreational needs. In addition to this, it also has provision for adoption and provides vocational training to the children.