Education of survivor children in the doldrums
Child survivors in the Pettimudy landslide tragedy face an uncertain future as continuation of their education gets mired in red tape.
According to officials, a virtual meeting with the chief minister and other officials did not discuss the continuation of education of the children.
The parents of four students died in the landslide and many kids lost their study materials in the tragedy.
However, as per data with the district administration, only four students were eligible for government support for their education.
“About 36 children attended a counselling session arranged by the District Legal Service Society (DLSA) and child protection unit. Many students said that they lost their study materials. These kids have not yet resumed their studies,” said Geetha M G, district child protection officer.
“Four students Hemalatha (18), Gopika (17), Saranya (18) and Annalakshmi (16) survived the disaster. Their parents perished in the landslide. The children are now staying with their relatives,” she added.
“DLSA and child protection unit have called a meeting on Saturday to discuss the issue. We plan to contact each child and collect the details of their future study and job aspirations. We will then submit a detailed proposal to the collector,” said Geetha.
Idukki district collector H Dineshan told TOI, “The district administration received information that four students lost their parents and they need government support to continue their education. The state government has already decided to provide educational assistance for the child survivors. I will submit a proposal to government in this regard.”
“If more students need support, the district administration is ready to consider this. Two organizations have shown willingness to provide assistance to the children,” the collector added.
Education of survivor children in the doldrums
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