Lucknow: In a commendable initiative to support the orphaned, abandoned, and surrendered (OAS) children living in state-run ‘Bal Grih’, a child care institution in Uttar Pradesh, further and bring them into the mainstream, the Yogi government has intensified its efforts to ensure these children have access to formal education.
Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, the state government, through the Women’s Welfare Department, is securing admission for vulnerable children from ‘Bal Grih’ into prestigious schools like Atal Residential Schools, Delhi Public School (DPS), and Ryan International School. This initiative aims to provide them with quality education and opportunities for a brighter future.
Sandeep Kaur, Director of Women and Child Development, stated that “India is home to approximately 440 million children, representing over 40 percent of the total population, many of whom are in need of care and protection. As a duty-bearer, the State Government is dedicated to their care, protection, and welfare. This academic year, 516 children have been enrolled in various government and private schools, including Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Atal Residential Schools, Delhi Public School, and Ryan International School, among others. This includes 294 boys and 222 girls.”
She added: This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding child rights, particularly the “Right to Development,” and upholding the best interests of children as enshrined in the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
The Yogi government’s efforts go beyond providing education; they are about empowering these children to dream big and strive for a better future. This initiative opens doors to a world of opportunities for OAS children, helping them overcome their past challenges and preparing them to make meaningful contributions to society.
Elaborating on the details of the initiative, Sandeep Kaur said that the enrollment process is being carried out in phases. “It begins with identifying children in various Bal Grih who are ready for formal education. This is followed by counseling to prepare them for school registration, including a bridge course to acclimate them to the new academic environment. An assessment is then carried out to ensure age-appropriate admission into schools.”
Once enrolled, the children receive comprehensive support, including coverage of school fees, provision of bags, stationery, transportation, and tuition through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. To further aid their education, homework assistance and after-school tutoring are also provided.
Officials conduct regular inspections to monitor the children’s progress, taking necessary actions as needed and continuously tracking their development. In the future, the initiative will also emphasize career counseling to assist these children in planning their futures effectively.
Secretary, Women and Child Development Department, B ChandraKala, said, “The primary objective of this initiative is to provide OAS children with age-appropriate schooling, ensuring they have the same educational opportunities as their peers. By facilitating their access to formal education, the government aims to integrate these vulnerable children into society, allowing them to envision and work towards a brighter future.”
By sending these children to schools, the government seeks to introduce them to the mainstream world beyond the confines of childcare institutions, offering them a chance to build a solid foundation for their future, she added.
