Eight children, who have been rendered destitute, following death of their parents by Covid 19, have been referred to the Special Committee constituted by the government.
District Child Protection Officer Mushtak Pathan informed The Live Nagpur that out of the eight three are girls and are living with grandparents. Five children have been accommodated in the Government’s Shelter Home.
Maharashtra Government had directed all district Women and Child development Departments to constitute committees to take care of children, who have lost their parents due to Corona infection. The High Court also issued directions to the Government to ensure protection and care to such children.
Childline 1098, a helpline for Children in distress, is the agency, which can be contacted by the children or others to provide information about such children.
Pathan stated that these eight children have lost both the parents. Information about those who have lost one of the parents, is being compiled. In some cases the children are likely to fall in trap of anti-social including human traffickers. Information about it can be provided to Childline on toll-free number 1098.
In Nagpur there are 12 Shelter Homes, where a child can stay till attainment of the age of 24 years. There are Children Homes for 6 to 18 years, Cretches for zero to 6 years, separate for boys and girls.
Although definite policy on future of these children has not been announced so far, these children can be given in adoption. Those above 18 may be imparted vocational training for their rehabilitation.
