Kejriwal urged to implement schemes for street kids

New Delhi, Feb 15 (IANS) A federation of street and working children has put forth their demands before Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, urging implementation of all government schemes for underprivileged children including ensuring legal identity to them, said a statement Sunday.

In a letter sent through fax to Kejriwal, who took oath as chief minister Saturday, "Badhte Kadam," a federation of street and working children shared their problems and requested Kejriwal to add it in his agenda.

Conveying heartiest congratulations on his being appointed CM, the letter sent at 12.20 p.m. Saturday also apprised Kejriwal on the issues and problems faced by the street children.

Sixteen-year-old Chandni, the federation's national secretary said: "We had earlier sent a letter to Arvind Kejriwal on Dec 28, 2013 to appraise him on the issues and problems faced by us, but due to the short tenure he was not able to address our issues."

"This time I and all the members of 'Badhte Kadam' are hopeful and believe that he will successfully carry out his tenure as the leader and also help to address our issues," she said.

Jyoti, the federation's district secretary said they had put forth five directives before the new Delhi government.

"The demands include ensuring legal identity to street and working children, implementation of all government schemes for underprivileged children, giving opportunity to children to participate in children- related government meetings, and ensuring actions against all those people who are involved in child labour," Jyoti, 14, said.

Vikas, the federation's state secretary said Kejriwal's arrival has brought a revolution in Indian politics and shown the power of the common people.

He added: "Leader of common people, Kejriwal, will provide us with the opportunity to meet him."

Sanjay Gupta, director of Childhood Enhancement through Training and Action (CHETNA), another NGO, said: "Children have a lot of hope from this government and I hope this government will take up the issues of children on priority basis."