Congress to consider street kids' demand in manifesto

The demands of street children will be considered for inclusion in the Congress election manifesto, party leaders said Friday.

A delegation which included 16-year-old Chandni, who leads the 'Badhte Kadam' programme of NGO CHETNA, met Congress leaders Mukul Wasnik and G. Mohan Gopal, both members of the manifesto drafting committee and presented a charter of demands.

"The panel has taken note of their demands and will ensure that they are placed before the manifesto committee," Gopal told IANS.

The demands include right of identity, ensuring participation in government schemes, inclusion in census, consultations with street children twice a year and strict implementation of laws related to children.

On being asked if a separate ministry for children could be establised, Wasnik said "this can probably be looked into," said Sanjay Gupta, director of Childhood Enhancement through Training and Action (CHETNA).