4th issue. After numerous complaints from citizens about instances of forced issuance of stamps instead of giving change in coins, a warning inscription was added to the stamps: Forced distribution is prohibited and is not subject to acceptance or issuance in exchange for banknotes.
The Commission for the Improvement of Children's Lives under the All-Russian Central Executive Committee (VTsIK). Established by a resolution of the VTsIK on February 10, 1921, on the initiative of the Chairman of the Cheka, F.E. Dzerzhinsky (Chairman of the VTsIK Children's Commission in 1921–1923), in connection with the sharp increase in child homelessness that occurred as a result of the Civil War of 1917–1922. Its tasks included overall leadership in protecting the life and health of children, assisting institutions responsible for these matters, overseeing the implementation of resolutions of directive bodies on issues of child protection, and ensuring that children were provided with everything necessary. The Commission's funds were formed through special levies, lotteries, voluntary donations, etc.
On September 25, 1938, by a resolution of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR, the Commission was abolished in connection with the dissolution of the VTsIK, as well as with the overcoming of mass child homelessness.
MEMORANDUM from the Chairman of the Children's Commission of the VTsIK, N.A. Semashko, to the NKVD of the USSR
28/IX 1938
SECRET
No. 61/S
In August of that year, during an inspection of orphanages in Altai Krai, we uncovered an extremely unsatisfactory condition of Orphanage No. 7 in the city of Biysk.
This orphanage was organized specifically for the children of repressed parents. It houses 79 children aged 8 to 16, and 5 of them have been arrested by NKVD bodies and are in prison.
From the very first days of the orphanage's existence, a group formed among the children that set itself the goal of "continuing the work of their parents." The other children were gradually drawn into this group; and as an oath not to betray this organization, the person joining the group was required to drink a dose of manure liquid and eat half a glass of sand. Kolya Menshikov, who did not take this oath, was nearly hanged by the children in a stable (he was saved). As punishment, nails were driven into the heads of other children. The children tore portraits of Party leaders off the walls. On June 11, NKVD bodies detained 5 pupils of this home, and subsequently, on August 30, the caregiver Safronov was arrested; together with the children, he took part in this group.
In the orphanage, the political and moral condition of some of the children still remains hostile and anti-Soviet. It is impossible to hang portraits of the leaders in the home, because the children will tear them down—this is what the head of the orphanage, Comrade Ledolevich, states.
The organization of this orphanage exclusively for the children of repressed parents was carried out erroneously, if not, one might say, in a wrecking manner.
Reporting this, the RSFSR Children's Commission requests that measures be taken for the immediate reorganization of this orphanage and that the Departments of Public Education be instructed regarding the inadmissibility of organizing orphanages exclusively for the children of repressed parents.
Chairman of the Children's Commission under the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR
N. Semashko
State Archive of the Russian Federation (GARF). Fond 5207. Inventory 3. File 42. Leaf 41.