my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 3 Mar: As a result of special efforts by the Dehradun district administration and inspired by the Chief Minister, children rescued from child labour and begging in Dehradun are being given a renewed direction in life and are now receiving education like other children. Owing to the sensitive and farsighted efforts of District Magistrate Savin Bansal, childhood once lost to the streets is steadily being brought into the mainstream of education. The modern Intensive Care Centre being run by the district administration has emerged as a ray of hope in the lives of such children.
Faces that once reflected neglect and hardship are now lit with the joy of festivals and their eyes now carry aspirations for a brighter future. At the Intensive Care Centre, attention is not only being given to the children’s health and safety, but a clear roadmap for their future is also being charted. The initiative represents a structured and humane intervention aimed to ensure that vulnerable children are not left behind.
Under this innovative endeavour of the district administration, more than 174 children have so far been rescued from begging and child labour in Dehradun district and connected to the formal education system. Through sustained rescue operations, identified children are brought to the modern care facility where they are provided counselling, bridge courses, regular schooling, nutrition, health check-ups and psychological support. The coordinated action of various departments under the direction of the DM has enabled the enrolment of these children in formal schools while ensuring continuous monitoring of their progress.
One such example is Harish, now a Class 6 student of Sadhuram Inter College. Physically active and enthusiastic, he participates wholeheartedly in all sporting activities and has demonstrated remarkable confidence. He was associated with the Intensive Care Centre in May 2025. Prior to that, he had never been enrolled in any school and had no exposure to formal education. After joining the Centre, he underwent preparatory support and then in August 2025, he was admitted to Class 6 at Sadhuram Inter College in the educational mainstream. Since his admission, he has maintained regular attendance and has taken part enthusiastically in the sports and other co-curricular activities, showcasing both talent and determination.
Alongside formal schooling, the Centre is placing special emphasis on the holistic development of children. Additional activities such as music, yoga, sports and creative pursuits are also being organised to nurture their confidence, social skills and emotional well-being. The focus extends beyond academic inclusion to comprehensive personality development, ensuring that the children grow into self-reliant and confident individuals.
The revival of childhood is visible not only in classrooms but also during festive celebrations. Recently, children at the Centre celebrated Holi with enthusiasm. Their laughter and joy while playing with colours symbolised a shift from deprivation to opportunity. Participation in festivals and cultural events is fostering self-confidence and strengthening their sense of social belonging.
The officials claim that the district administration continues to conduct regular rescue drives to identify children engaged in child labour or begging. Many of these children had been compelled into such activities such as begging or child labour due to adverse familial, economic or social circumstances. By providing them with a safe and nurturing environment, the administration is steering them towards education, skill development and dignified living.
DM Bansal observes that every child has the right to a safe, dignified and educated life. He emphasised that the administration’s objective is not merely to rescue children but to enable them to become self-reliant and confident citizens. The transformation witnessed in the lives of these children stands as a testament to this commitment.
Children who were once seen on the streets are now regularly attending school, participating in sports competitions and displaying their talents in cultural programmes. Their changing lives are emerging as an inspiration for other children in need and for society at large. The district administration has reiterated that this initiative will continue to be strengthened with the support of the community, so that no child is deprived of education and a life of dignity.
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