Baripada: The pace of execution of the ambitious “Mu Bi Padhibi” programme, launched by the district administration April 1, 2013 to bring all out-of-school children in the 6 to 14 age group into the purview of education in Mayurbhanj, has reportedly slowed down.
The district still has many children working in garages and hotels, being deprived of free and compulsory education as they are entitled to under the Right to Education Act.
Sources in a non-government organisation claimed that over 1,000 children are still working as labourers in various parts of the district.
Till date, the administration has identified over 6,000 out-of-school children across the district and admitted them to schools. Recently, 451 child labourers were rescued from hotels, roadside eateries, industrial units and garages. They were admitted to special schools with provision of accommodation and food.
Poor economic condition of their parents and guardians was the main stumbling block in bringing these children to schools. The district administration has provided help to some parents while some children were imparted technical training sponsored by the government.
Media has reported that the district has been made free of child labourers. The state government and even the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) have praised the district administration for this feat with the PMO seeking a report on its operational methods.
However, reality tells a different tale. A report said children are still engaged as labourers at hostels and garages in areas like Darogadihi Road and Biju Patnaik Golei.
The district administration has failed to take note of this amid allegations that no emphasis is being laid on this programme with effective steps.
The programme is said to be the brainchild of former collector Rajesh Prabhakar Patil. He had asked all officials in the district to make declarations that they will not engage children as domestic helps.
Patil even had issued a directive to withhold the salaries of over 70 employees, including the SP and project director, DRDA as they had delayed their declarations.
District coordinator of Sarva Sikhya Abhiyan Bibekananda Sahu said rescue operation of child labourers has been resumed. A couple of days ago, a child of Sukuli, who was tending cattle, was rescued and admitted to a school at Jamdapal, he added. PNN