A program in Thaltej, Ahmedabad, known as ‘Shala Praveshotsav-2026,’ saw 303 children from vulnerable backgrounds being integrated into formal education. This initiative, organized by the Ahmedabad School Education Committee, aimed to enroll children rescued from begging and other at-risk situations into mainstream schooling. Among the enrollees were 20 children previously rescued from begging, 233 from signal schools, and 50 new students.
The focus of the program was to transition children identified through rescue efforts into regular government schools. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, present at the event, emphasized the importance of providing education and equal opportunities to these children for long-term social impact. Sanghavi highlighted the significance of education in the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047,’ citing the enrollment of 276 rescued children into ‘Signal Schools’ and other government institutions since 2022.
Efforts against an inter-state network involved in coercing children into begging were also underscored during the event. Notably, 33 children were rescued through enforcement actions and reunited with their families. Sanghavi urged teachers to provide compassionate care and support to these children, emphasizing emotional security alongside education. He also called on citizens to maintain cleanliness, adhere to traffic rules, and prioritize road safety.
Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani commended the collaborative work of the police, municipal administration, and the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment in bringing vulnerable children into the education system. Pani emphasized the pivotal role of education in achieving long-term developmental objectives. The event also recognized the efforts of officers involved in beggar rehabilitation and the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU).
