Haryana implements scheme to protect kids working in circus

The scheme--"Rehabilitation of Rescued Children Working in Circuses"--has been introduced in compliance of orders of the Supreme Court under 'Bachpan Bachao Andolan' to promote the mandate of the Constitution to provide safety and security to children.

It would also make recommendations and guidelines for rehabilitation of rescued children working in circuses, Director General, Women and Child Development Department, Haryana, Sumita Misra, said here today.

Misra said that as per the policy, no child below the age of 14 years is allowed to work in circus and for children above 14 working in circus, the basic minimum living conditions are to be maintained.

As per these minimum living condition, privacy and security of children are to be given priority.

"Therefore, there should be separate living arrangements for girls and boys, sufficient living space with separate beds and almirahs, regular balanced diet for children, monthly roaster with specified time to study, play and recreational activities and proper sanitation and hygiene conditions in the premises of circus...," she said.

Each child working in the circus should complete at least matriculation by the age of 18 years, she said.

To monitor the implementation of the scheme, a monitoring committee will be constituted under the chairpersonship of Deputy Commissioner concerned, Misra added.