Balsnehi buses – An initiative to rehabilitate street-children

In an effort to rehabilitate street children, the state’s Women and Child Development department has introduced kid-friendly Balsnehi buses and vans. As part of the project, flying squads made up of a teacher, a counsellor, a driver, and an assistant will go around a district in a special vehicle to integrate these kids into society and make sure they receive an education through government programmes and initiatives.

The project suggested under the Integrated Child Protection scheme has been approved by the central government, according to a Government Resolution (GR) published by the department. A 50 lakh rupee sum has been authorized for it. The project would be executed in six districts – Mumbai city, Mumbai suburbs, Thane, Nashik, Pune, and Nagpur — for a period of six months.

Balsnehi buses

“Realizing that the children living on the streets are in need of care and protection, the team of flying squad, which must have at least two women members, will prepare a social investigation report of street-children in different areas to be submitted to the Women and Child Development department,” reads the GR, which outlines the various tasks to be carried out by the squad.

To safeguard the safety of children, CCTVs and a tracking system will be installed inside the kid-friendly buses, which can accommodate 25 kids apiece. Parents of these kids are expected to feel comfortable confiding in the squad teacher and counsellor. If the squad discovers any orphan youngsters, the Child Welfare Committee should assist in getting them accepted into recognised organisations (CWC). If a child is malnourished, nourishing meals should be provided. If someone is recognised as having a disability, they should be provided with the proper benefits in accordance with the programmes that the government has in place.