Delhi government steps in to help Kathputli kids

New Delhi: In order to ensure that no student from the Kathputli Colony — which was demolished by the DDA recently — drops out, the Delhi government has asked its schools to identify students who had lost their uniform, books, and stationery during the demolition or transit.

“We need to know the whereabouts/rehabilitation status of displaced families of Kathputli Colony so that the children of these families may be provided with school uniforms, books, and stationery items,” the Directorate of Education (DoE) said in his communication to the schools.

“All heads of aided and unaided schools recognised by the DoE are directed to identify students with address of Kathputli Colony and provide their information to the department at the earliest,” it added.

The schools have also been allowed to utilise either Pupils Welfare Fund or Vidyalaya Kalyan Samiti fund to purchase books, writing material, and uniform from the market for the said students.

“The principals have to ensure that no child drops out of schools or misses classes for want of uniform, textbooks, and writing material. Students are encouraged to continue with their schooling,” the DoE said in the letter.

Spread over nearly 14 acres, Kathputli Colony is home to a large number of puppeteers, magicians, singers, and musicians. It is the first slum in the city to be taken up by the DDA (Delhi Development Authority) for in situ redevelopment with the help of a private developer.