From our Correspondent

SIVASAGAR, Aug 3: The number of rescued children has been increasing day by day in Sivasagar district but rarely any step is initiated for their rehabilitation. For a change, though, a shelter home, under the aegis of the NGO ‘SHAPE’ was inaugurated for rescued kids at Rangchalia gaon near Meteka in Sivasagar district on Friday. ‘Children’s Home’, a shelter home for rescued and destitute children, which was established under Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2000, has proved to be a haven for several rescued and destitute children.

Jatindra Lahkar, Deputy Commissioner, Sivasagar, who inaugurated it formally as chief guest said that setting up such a home was a great leap as it was all about giving and dedicating oneself to uplift humanity and a job full of risk and responsibility and that the society has great expectations. Assuring necessary support to the new home, Lahkar appealed all the SHGs of the area to make their contributions in this noble thought. Lahkar said, “We need more such shelter homes where children feel safe and secure.”

Talking about malnourishment among children, Lahkar said: “The level of malnourishment in case of rescued children from streets or any other place is worse than other children. Therefore, extra-care should be taken to make these children healthier and happier.”

Speaking on the occasion, Parag Goswami, secretary of SHAPE, said that the shelter home provides basic facilities such as free food and lodging, the aim being to take destitute children and rescued children back to the mainstream to live a happy life. “The home will also deal with issues such as counseling and education. The children will also be admitted to government schools based on their age,” Goswami added.

Dr Ashok Dutta, president of SHAPE, Pratap Hazarika, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Sivasagar; Dibyalata Deori, District Child Protection Officer and Dipali Swargiyari Baruah, Health Officer, attended the occasion as distinguished guests. The shelter home is at present taking care of seven children.