Delhi CM Rekha Gupta pushes education, skills, jobs for children leaving care

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday asked the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights to focus on the future and rehabilitation of children leaving child-care institutions, saying they should be linked to education, skills and jobs so they can become self-reliant. She also suggested exploring the option of providing autorickshaws to girls and e-rickshaws to boys from such institutions to help them start a livelihood.

Chairing a meeting of the commission, Gupta said providing shelter alone after children leave care institutions is not enough, and stressed the need to help them lead a dignified life. She asked the commission to prepare detailed information on children living in child care institutions and submit to her office a list of those staying in after-care facilities.

She said the list should include details such as the child’s name, age, institution, duration of stay, education, qualifications and skills acquired. Gupta also said the transport department could explore providing autorickshaws to interested girls and e-rickshaws to boys from these institutions so they can take up a livelihood after leaving the facilities. She underlined the need to connect such children with education, skill development and employment opportunities so that they can become financially independent.

The meeting also discussed strengthening facilities at anganwadi and Palna centres. Gupta suggested that reports be prepared through interns to review facilities at these centres and assess the behaviour of anganwadi workers towards children. She also directed the commission to inspect the arrangements for mid-day meals prepared by cooks in schools and the nutritional food given to children at anganwadi centres during National Nutrition Month, and said any shortcomings should be reported immediately.

On child safety, Gupta directed the commission to ensure mandatory police verification of school staff, school bus and van drivers, attendants and sanitation workers. She also called for awareness campaigns on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act to continue as an ongoing activity. Gupta further asked the commission to step up the campaign to make Delhi free of child begging and said NGOs, civil society organisations and resident welfare associations willing to take part should be brought on board to expand the effort locally.CAREER GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOL STUDENTS

Gupta said the government’s priority is to bring children out of begging and connect them with education, skills and a dignified life. She also suggested promoting career-guidance facilities for students in government and municipal schools. The meeting was attended by DCPCR chairman O P Vyas, members of the commission and senior officials. - EndsWith PTI inputsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Sep 11, 2026 19:54 IST