Slum children to be enrolled in schools

In a decisive move to uplift underprivileged children, the district administration has announced a special initiative to enroll slum and street children in schools, ensuring they receive education and a better future. The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal at the Collectorate Auditorium, where officials conducted a comprehensive assessment of child welfare programs under Mission Vatsalya Yojana.

The meeting, attended by Deputy Development Commissioner Aniket Sachan, District Social Welfare Officer Sandhya Rani, DCPO, NGO representatives, and law enforcement officials, focused on strengthening child protection mechanisms. Key discussions included the rights of abandoned children, support for orphans and single-parent children, housing of victimized girls and women, legal aid, police assistance, and the effectiveness of Childline services.

Key Directives for Child Welfare & Protection Slum & Street Children’s Education: Schools will be directed to enroll children from slums and streets, with NGOs assisting in counseling and bridging learning gaps. Special outreach teams will identify children who lack access to education.

Crackdown on Child Begging & Labor: A special task force will be set up to rescue children found begging and provide them with counseling and rehabilitation. Parents of these children will also be counseled, and if needed, linked to government support schemes.

Child Trafficking & Child Marriage Prevention: Law enforcement agencies have been directed to intensify surveillance in vulnerable areas and ensure swift legal action under the POCSO Act and Juvenile Justice Act.

One Stop Center Support for Victimized Women & Girls: The administration will strengthen legal aid, psychological counseling, and police assistance for victims of abuse and trafficking.

Vulnerability Mapping & Policy Implementation: The administration will conduct district-wide vulnerability mapping to identify at-risk children and provide immediate intervention through welfare schemes like Foster Care Yojana.

"Protecting children is not just the government’s responsibility, but a collective duty of society. We must ensure that no child is left behind—whether in education, safety, or emotional well-being," said Mittal, urging officials, NGOs, and law enforcement agencies to work in coordination.