The exact number of orphans and street children in India is difficult to determine due to the transient nature of their circumstances and the lack of comprehensive data. However, let us have a look at some statistics based on available studies and estimates:
According to the 2011 Census of India, there were approximately 20 million orphaned children in the country.
In 2016, the Ministry of Women and Child Development estimated that there were around 31 million orphaned and abandoned children in India.
These numbers include both institutionalized orphans and those living with extended family or in other forms of non-parental care.
Estimates of the number of street children in India vary widely. According to a study conducted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2010, there were around 20 million street children in India.
A report published by Save the Children in 2016, estimated that there were approximately 11 million street children in India.
The actual number of street children is likely higher due to their transient nature and the challenges associated with accurately counting them.
It's important to note that these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the source and methodology used. Additionally, these figures are from data available up until the knowledge cut off in September 2021, and the current situation may have changed since then.
Street children and orphans in India face numerous challenges and problems that significantly impact their well-being and future prospects. Some of the key issues they encounter include:
Lack of Basic Necessities: Street children and orphans often struggle to meet their basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare. They may not have access to regular meals, clean water, or proper sanitation facilities, leading to malnutrition and health issues.
Homelessness and Shelter: Street children and orphans often lack a stable and safe place to live. They may sleep on the streets, in makeshift shelters, or in crowded and unsanitary conditions, making them vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and exposure to the elements.
Education Barriers: Many street children and orphans face significant barriers to education. They may lack access to schools, struggle with school fees, or are unable to attend regularly due to their living circumstances. This lack of education perpetuates the cycle of poverty and limits their future opportunities.
Exploitation and Abuse: Street children and orphans are highly vulnerable to various forms of exploitation and abuse. They may be subjected to forced labour, trafficking, sexual abuse, or engage in hazardous activities to survive, such as begging or street vending.
Health and Sanitation: Street children and orphans often lack access to proper healthcare services, making them susceptible to diseases and infections. They may also lack knowledge about hygiene practices, further compromising their health.
Social Stigma and Discrimination: Orphans and street children often face social stigma and discrimination due to their circumstances. They may be ostracized and treated as outcasts, leading to a lack of support and opportunities for social integration.
Emotional and Psychological Challenges: The loss of parental care and the harsh realities of life on the streets can have a profound impact on the emotional and psychological well-being of street children and orphans. They may experience trauma, anxiety, depression, and a sense of hopelessness.
Lack of Legal Protection: Street children and orphans often lack legal protection and may not have access to justice or support systems. They may be at risk of being falsely implicated in criminal activities or face difficulties in asserting their rights.
Lack of Resources: Children from financially weak families often lack access to essential educational resources such as textbooks, study materials, computers, and internet connectivity. This limits their ability to study effectively and keep up with their peers.
Inadequate Infrastructure: Many underprivileged children attend schools with inadequate infrastructure, including poorly maintained classrooms, lack of proper sanitation facilities, and limited resources for extracurricular activities. These conditions can affect their motivation and hinder their learning experience.
Financial Constraints: Financial constraints can prevent studious children from participating in educational enrichment programs, tuition classes, or coaching for competitive exams. They may be unable to afford study materials or pay for exam fees, which can limit their educational opportunities.
Lack of Role Models and Guidance: Children from underprivileged backgrounds often lack access to role models and mentors who can guide them in their educational journey. They may lack guidance on career choices, study techniques, or navigating the higher education system, making it challenging for them to make informed decisions.
Family Responsibilities: Studious children from financially weak families may have to shoulder additional family responsibilities, such as taking care of younger siblings or helping with household chores. These responsibilities can consume their time and energy, leaving them with limited study hours and impacting their academic performance.
Limited Educational Opportunities: Children from underprivileged backgrounds may have limited access to quality educational institutions and scholarship programs. They may face fierce competition for limited spots in good schools or colleges, further reducing their chances of receiving quality education.
Lack of Emotional Support: Emotional support plays a crucial role in a child's educational journey. Studious children from financially weak families may face stress, anxiety, or lack of motivation due to their challenging circumstances. However, they may not have access to proper counseling or emotional support systems to address these issues.
Rehabilitation homes for street children and orphans play a crucial role in providing care, support, and opportunities for the well-being and development of these vulnerable individuals. The primary functions of rehabilitation homes include:
Shelter and Basic Needs: Rehabilitation homes provide a safe and secure shelter for street children and orphans who lack stable living conditions. They ensure that the children have access to basic necessities such as food, clothing, clean water, and healthcare.
Education and Skill Development: Rehabilitation homes prioritize education and skill development to empower street children and orphans for a brighter future. They offer formal or non-formal education programs, access to schools, and vocational training opportunities to enhance their knowledge and acquire practical skills.
Emotional and Psychological Support: Street children and orphans often carry emotional scars and trauma due to their past experiences. Rehabilitation homes provide a supportive and nurturing environment where they receive counseling, therapy, and emotional support to heal from their traumatic experiences and develop a positive outlook on life.
Healthcare and Nutrition: Rehabilitation homes ensure that children receive proper healthcare services, regular check-ups, and necessary medical interventions. They address the health issues faced by these children and ensure they have access to nutritious meals to improve their overall well-being.
Social Integration and Community Support: Rehabilitation homes work towards reintegrating street children and orphans into society. They provide opportunities for social interaction, community engagement, and participation in recreational activities. This helps the children develop social skills, build relationships, and feel a sense of belonging.
Life Skills and Empowerment: Rehabilitation homes focus on equipping children with essential life skills such as communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and financial literacy. These skills empower them to become independent and self-sufficient, enabling a smoother transition into adulthood.
Family Reunification or Alternative Care: Depending on the circumstances, rehabilitation homes work towards family reunification for children who have lost their parents or were separated from their families. When reintegration is not possible, they explore alternative care options such as foster care, adoption, or long-term residential care within a supportive environment.
Rehabilitation homes play a critical role in providing a nurturing environment, support, and opportunities for street children and orphans to heal, grow, and build a better future.
Given the inadequate budget allocation and mismanagement of funds for health and family welfare, individuals and private institutions have a significant responsibility to alleviate the conditions faced by these unfortunate children. Rescue and Relief Foundation has taken a systematic approach to address the issue of orphans, aiming to reach them at the grassroots level, providing them with shelter, food, and initial educational support. The project further focuses on providing ongoing education that empowers these children to secure employment and live as respected citizens of India.
Rescue and Relief Foundation is extending support to an orphanage located in Behala, Kolkata. The orphanage currently houses 50 boys ranging in age from 4.5 to 15 years old. The foundation is actively involved in providing essential assistance such as food, clothing, and education for these underprivileged orphans. The orphanage goes beyond basic necessities, offering comprehensive formal education to all the children. Moreover, the emotional well-being of the children is given due attention, and they are provided with healthy recreational activities, including sports and cultural programs.
Rescue and Relief Foundation supports an orphanage situated in the village of Ramkrishnapur near Sason, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. The orphanage has the capacity to accommodate 50 children, with around 30-35 boys currently residing there. The age group of the children typically ranges from 8 to 9 years old. The Home provides essential provisions including shelter, food, clothing, and some educational facilities. The children receive regular schooling as part of their education. The village area is known for its natural beauty, allowing the children to engage in recreational activities such as swimming in village ponds. Additionally, Rescue and Relief Foundation supports a vocational training program where the boys receive training in mobile repairing. This program not only equips them with valuable skills for future employment but also offers them a enjoyable way to spend their leisure time.
With the aim of promoting education and supporting deserving students, Rescue and Relief Foundation has embarked on an initiative to help poverty-stricken but meritorious students. While our foundation is primarily known for its work in rehabilitating rescued trafficking victims and supporting old age homes, we have recognized the crucial role that education plays in eradicating social evils. Education is an essential need for every individual in our society, and we firmly believe that it should be accessible to all. We understand that by nurturing the educational development of today's generation, we can shape a fruitful future. Education serves as a powerful tool for fostering positive and impactful change within our society. Under our "Merit Sponsorship Program," we provide support to students who possess the desire to pursue further studies but face challenges due to their remote locations. Through this program, we offer food and lodging facilities in Belgharia, benefiting around 20 students at present. However, our goal is to expand this program in the near future, reaching out to more deserving students who have the potential to achieve success.
Gobinda Das, from our Belghoria Home, got a chance in MCA at the Central University of Hyderabad.
Gautam Bera, another youth from our Belghoria Centre, has acquired 283 ranking all over India in JAM (Joint Admission test for Masters).
Parikshit Mondal, from the Youth Rehabilitation Centre at Belghoria, has acquired a chance in Integrated Msc. and PhD. in Physics, at IISER TVM.
Together, let us contribute towards building a brighter future, not just for a select few, but for everyone in our society.