Education is a fundamental right that many children in India are deprived of, pushing them into a life of begging and poverty. The story of 12-year-old Aakash from Dehradun is a testament to this struggle. Until last year, Aakash was begging on the streets, but a ray of hope entered his life when he was enrolled in a government school with the help of a police officer. Today, Aakash dreams of becoming a software engineer, thanks to the opportunity of education provided to him.

In a bid to free children from the shackles of begging, the Director General of Police in Uttarakhand initiated a special campaign called Operation Mukti in 2017. This campaign focuses on liberating children from the burden of begging and child labor, emphasizing the importance of education in shaping a brighter future for these young souls.

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Liberation from Begging

Operation Mukti aims at rescuing children from the harrowing life of begging and labor. By enrolling them in schools, the campaign seeks to provide these children with a chance to break free from the vicious cycle of poverty.

The brainchild behind this initiative, DGP Ashok Kumar, believes that education is the key to preventing these children from falling into criminal activities and ensuring their integration into mainstream society.

A Brighter Tomorrow

With over 1,700 children rescued from begging and currently attending school, the positive impact of Operation Mukti is evident. These children, like Neha, Meena, Aakash, and Karan, are embracing education with zeal and determination, setting the stage for a promising future.

Teachers involved in this transformation highlight the eagerness of these children to learn and the positive environment that schools provide for their growth and development.

Challenges and Solutions

While the task of identifying and enrolling these children in schools is relatively straightforward, the real challenge lies in ensuring their retention. Many children tend to drop out due to familial pressures or societal constraints.

The initiative also focuses on counseling parents and providing them with alternative means of livelihood to steer them away from forcing their children into begging. By addressing the root causes of this issue, Uttarakhand’s police force is striving to create a sustainable change in the lives of these vulnerable children.

By offering a holistic approach that combines education, counseling, and livelihood support, Operation Mukti is paving the way for a brighter and more secure future for these children, breaking the cycle of poverty and begging one child at a time.

The police also provides families means to earn their livelihood so that they do not force kids into begging.
The police also provide families with means to earn their livelihood so that they do not force kids into begging. Photo credits: Uttarakhand Police

Many families in India are benefitting from the efforts of the police to ensure children receive education and are not pushed into begging. A heartwarming story shared by a mother unfolds the positive impact of these initiatives. Her children, Chanda (aged 9) and Bhishan (aged 7), are now attending school regularly, thanks to the support provided by the police, including uniforms, books, and other essentials without any cost.

With over 100 police personnel in the anti-human trafficking unit working tirelessly, the Director General of Police (DGP) conducts awareness campaigns, such as street plays, to educate communities about the importance of education and preventing child labor.

The DGP emphasized the active involvement of police officers across the state in the campaign, with a particular focus on helping children adapt to school environments. By dedicating time to mentor and guide these children, the police aim to facilitate their successful transition into formal education.

The campaign spans multiple districts and involves engaging with families to encourage enrollment in government schools. The meticulous approach of identifying at-risk children, counseling both children and parents, and ensuring school admissions showcase the dedication of the 59-year-old DGP and his team.

Beyond the direct intervention of the police, the campaign has also garnered support from citizens who generously donate educational supplies like books and uniforms to the children. This collaborative effort underscores the community’s commitment to nurturing the educational journey of these children.

The satisfaction of witnessing these young minds embrace learning motivates the DGP and his team to explore further opportunities, including identifying talented children for continued educational support.

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The impactful work of the DGP has been recognized in the 2022 book Best Practices On Smart Policing, showcasing the commendable efforts of police departments nationwide.

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