With a heart-warming initiative named ‘Mission Muskan’, Varanasi’s Chief Development Officer (CDO), IAS officer Himanshu Nagpal, has been successfully identifying lost and destitute children found in railway stations and ghats and reuniting them with their families. The campaign, driven by the need to address the issue of child beggary in the region, has seen remarkable success, bringing smiles to the faces of many children and their parents.
Speaking with Indian Masterminds, Mr. Nagpal shared details about the initiative.
MISSION MUSKAN
The ‘Mission Muskan’ campaign began as a response to the realization that many children in Varanasi, a prominent tourist destination with four railway stations and ghats, are separated from their parents for multiple reasons like getting left behind while catching a train, and other reasons. “We were unable to reach out to those kids who were left behind. So, for that, we started a campaign by the name of ‘Mission Muskan’,” said Mr. Nagpal.
OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of ‘Mission Muskan’ is to rescue these children and provide them with shelter in child care homes. A team of psychiatrists and psychologists work together to gather more information about the children and try to locate their homes. However, since many of these children are too young to provide exact locations, the process becomes quite challenging.
FACILITIES PROVIDED
Currently, the campaign involves 20 child shelters and one government shelter, all equipped with improved facilities including air conditioning and smart classes. Additionally, private psychiatrists are roped in to provide counselling to the children. Over the last six months, ‘Mission Muskan’, with the help of 12 rescue teams who work day and night, has successfully reunited more than 723 children with their families.
The initiative also caters to specially-abled children, providing them with a world-class shelter and facilities. Efforts are made to improve their education standards and offer training. Some children are even engaged in handicraft and rakhi-making activities, with plans to sell these products in the market and deposit the earnings into their bank accounts for their future use.
“Whatever money they will get from here will be transferred to their bank accounts once they get back to their homes,” Mr. Nagpal said.
SUPPORT
The initiative has received support not only from the local police but also from the community and government. Children are also given regular medical check-ups and provided with classes from primary school teachers.
Mr. Nagpal has expressed his dedication to these children, stating, “They are our children now, and it’s our responsibility to make sure that we look after their progression, right from counselling to their schooling and college.” ‘Mission Muskan’ ensures that children after completing their class 12th get enrolled in the ‘Mukhyamantri Baal Seva Yojana,’ a government scheme that provides monetary support.
The success of ‘Mission Muskan’ has not only rescued children from the streets but also rekindled hope for a brighter future. With ongoing efforts and support, the initiative continues to bring smiles and happiness to many children and their families in Varanasi and beyond.
