MCPCR mainstreams never-enrolled child into formal education

The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) has facilitated the mainstreaming of a seven-year-old never-enrolled girl child into formal education following an intervention initiated in coordination with a voluntary organisation implementing the SMILE Scheme in the state.
According to a press statement issued by the Commission, the intervention began after MCPCR received a request from Social Upliftment Association, which is implementing the Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) Scheme under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in Imphal West.
The child was reportedly found accompanying an elderly woman identified as Hamida Khatun of Hatta Golapati while engaged in begging activities near Kwairamband Keithel Overbridge.
Following the production of the child before the Commission, MCPCR directed the Zonal Education Officer, Imphal East Zone-II, to facilitate her admission into a nearby government school. The Commission also instructed the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Imphal East, to assist in obtaining essential identity documents, including a birth certificate and Aadhaar card, to ensure access to educational and welfare benefits.
In addition, the DCPU was directed to conduct a social investigation process to facilitate sponsorship support for the child under the Mission Vatsalya scheme.
The Commission stated that the child has now been brought under the protection framework through formal education and has also been recommended for sponsorship support facilities.