World Street Children Day observed

Musheerabad: Rainbow Foundation India and Balamitra Network organised a programme to observe the World Street Children Day at Sundariah Vignana Kendram, Baghlingampally on Friday.

Addressing a meeting on the occasion, District Child Protection Officer (CPO) Mohammed Imtiaz Rahim assured that the government would take all measures for protection of street children. It has come to the notice of the government that street children were facing problems in getting necessary certificates such as caste, income and Aadhaar certificates. It has framed guidelines for issuance of such certificates to the street children. The department had also compiled the data in this regard, and the certificates would be issued soon, he said.

Commenting on the issue of finding shelter to the street children who have crossed 18 years, she said 'child rights' explain the ways to take care of such children and the issue would be addressed after taking it to the notice of government.

Arun Ambika, manager of Rainbow Foundation India, said that there are about 1,400 street children who have been provided with accommodation. She said most of the street children require necessary identity, Aadhaar, caste and income certificates during their studies but are facing problems in getting them from the authorities.

She suggested that the government form a single window system to address such issues and liberalise rules to give exemptions to street children. She demanded that the government establish hostels for street children who have crossed 18 years.

Partner NGOs of Balamithra Network Ashray, Aman Vedika, Ashrita, MPWS, Bala Tejaswi, CRDSS and others participated in the programme.