Child Friendly Delhi campaign gains momentum

Bachpan Bachao Andolan, a non governmental organisation, organised a Child Friendly Delhi Campaign, a eleven-day awareness campaign demanding protection, care and education for all children. In view of the upcoming MCD elections, the event demanded the candidates to focus on the issues concerning the basic needs of children.

As part of the campaign, which started on April 3, the candidates in the fray were asked to pledge for the rights of children. The children went to the doorsteps of every candidate demanding their rights. The demands underlined the menace of child trafficking, forced labour, infrastructural needs in schools ranging from classrooms to toilets. Also the proper implementation of government schemes for children that are not properly utilized.

Rakesh Senger, representative of Bachpan Bachao Andolan, highlighted the objectives of the campaign. On being asked about the manifestos of the two major national parties and initiation of their candidates, he said, “Nothing is mentioned in the manifestos regarding the protection of child rights.” Further, he stressed on the cooperation with around 250 Residential Welfare Associations (RWA) to check child labour.

Garima Dimri, Programme Coordinator Communications informed that they had sought signatures of candidates from nine revenue districts of Delhi, adding that majority of candidates simply refused to participate in the campaign.

Talking about Badarpur Khadar, one of the most neglected areas under MCD ward, she added, “The area of Badarpur Khadar does not have schools, sanitation and scarcity of potable water and the residents have grown disillusioned with the electoral process.”

Nine-year old Nadeem, a resident of the area said, “I have never been to a school. There is no school in my village. I want to study and achieve something in my life.”

The recent landmark judgement of the apex court gives hope to many such underprivileged children, but if the April 15 MCD election change matters at the ground level, is an intriguing question.