R-KEG to Raise Voice for Orphaned Children, Submits Memorandum to Udaipur Collector

Udaipur: The Rajasthan Child Advisor Group (R-KEG) has pledged to actively advocate for the protection and welfare of orphaned and vulnerable children across the state. The organization expressed serious concern over the closure of several child care homes in Rajasthan over the past year and questioned the current status of the children who were residing in them.

R-KEG, a collective platform of voluntary organizations, social workers, and retired officials working for child rights, held a बैठक at the जिला परिषद सभागार in Udaipur. Addressing the gathering, organization president and social worker Chandragupt Singh Chauhan stated that it is the प्राथमिक जिम्मेदारी of the group to respond promptly to any violation of child rights and work in coordination with the government. He added that the closure of orphanages is alarming and assured that the group will initiate dialogue with authorities to ensure their reopening at the earliest.

R-KEG General Secretary and former member of the Rajasthan State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Dr. Shailendra Pandya, highlighted that under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, separate homes for boys and girls were established at every district headquarters. In Udaipur alone, which is also a divisional headquarters, 18 such homes were operational earlier, housing more than 600 children. Their closure has raised a major concern regarding the whereabouts and safety of these children, he said.

During the meeting, educationist Dr. Rajshree Gandhi suggested addressing the growing issue of substance abuse among children and the easy availability of such substances near educational institutions. Dr. Geeta Patel, Director of Maitri Sansthan, emphasized the need for sustained and collective efforts, especially for children in tribal regions.

Members from various organizations, including Pradeep Rawani (Samvidha Sansthan), Girish Bharti (Pratibaddh Sansthan), Nitin Paliwal (Gayatri Seva Sansthan), Archana Singh (Rahda Foundation), Sakharam Meghwal (Navjeevan Sansthan), along with Payal Kaneria, Ashita Jain, and Vivek Paliwal, also shared their views.

Following the meeting, members of R-KEG submitted a memorandum to Udaipur District Collector Namit Mehta, demanding the immediate reopening of child care homes and ensuring the safety and protection of orphaned children.