The New Nation - Internet Edition

A MOVE was started in the eighties by the then government to create facilities for proper care of the street children. Efforts were made to educate and house them and provide for their upbringing. These unfortunate children who used to be called tokais (rag pickers) as this was mainly their means of a livelihood with veritably no support from their parents or the state, were renamed as pathakalis ( flower buds of the streets) and a trust was organised for them. But this move ended with the change of government since the nineties. The project gradually turned defunct for lack of interest on the part of the government.

Had it continued, it could prove to be a major contributor to easing a socio-economic problem of serious dimensions. The rootless children grow up unloved and uncared for and become easily the victims of crime, anti socials activities, drug addiction and other vices. But it could be the opposite happy experience if measures were taken over the years-- systematically and progressively--to rehabilitate all of them with a view to making them normal and productive individuals. There is no reason why the project that was started in the eighties, cannot again be revived.

The incumbent caretaker government now has no time to start and complete this task. But they can at least draw fresh attention to it and leave behind a well formulated plan for the next elected government to take up. With the government playing a good supportive role behind it, there are good reasons to think that there are many individuals and organisations who may be keen to lend assistance to such a programme. They only need to be sensitised and invited to join in such a noble endeavour.