The Supreme Court of India, on May 28, gave direction to the government about protection of children orphaned in the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic. During the pandemic days have passed by without children getting food. We cannot know the exact number of children impacted in this time period. There has always been a high risk of orphaned children falling through the cracks of society. However, this problem has been majorly overlooked and during the Covid crisis, we have been given an opportunity to go back and revisit this question.
The first problem arises due to the caste and family structure of the child. After the death of the parents, there are many instances where the relatives do not take responsibility for the child. Even if the child does have a family, due to financial obstacles, they sometimes cannot provide for the education and the well being of the child. In situations like these, the child may not receive assistance and guidance in life.
If a child enters an institute and finds a place to stay at the hostel, he/she may not have someone to help them with their problems. For an orphaned child with no other family support, hostel could be the first and the last resort. Unfortunately many state governments do not allow the child to stay in a hostel beyond 18 years of age. Hence after completing school or college they have no home to return to. Many students even face problems with government documents, from Aadhar cards to Pan cards.
In this state of helplessness students often take the wrong path, and these wrong choices can land them into adverse situations. The major hand of help can come via the respective state governments since the government is legally bound by the Constitution to ensure the welfare of children. Recently, the Maharashtra government has changed the rule and allowed orphaned children to stay in hostels till the age of 23. However, steps need to be taken to ensure all the future generations are not faced with the same problems. Some steps that the government can take in this regard are: A yearly survey of orphan children at district and block levels to be initiated. The information about the child’s family should be registered by the respective authorities.
No child should have their identity compromised, and hence government documents should be supplied on time. Many governments schemes and programs should be set up which run parallel to the principles of freedom, equality and social justice. A permanent fund should be set up by government and if possible, local-level NGO’s so that the child does not face any financial issues.
Every child has the right to education and leading a fulfilling life. Loss of parents and loved ones can seriously impact the child. The child’s mental health can also be affected since they have no one to talk to and share their grievances with. Counsellors should be available for call or one-to-one sessions for all children, with whom they can openly share their feelings with.
They say children are the future of the country. Well, how can we build a promising future if 30% of children are below poverty line. It’s high time these issues get addressed and resolved so that all children get equal opportunities to lead a quality life and participate in society.
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