Chairperson of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) Usha Negi has asked the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun to grant free entry of the poor children in the children play zone at Gandhi Park. The play zone developed under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) was closed for about two months due to the lack of proper arrangements. After the completion of the works, the zone was reopened by the MCD about three days ago.
Speaking about the matter, SCPCR chairperson Usha Negi said, “It is very sad to know that we have fewer arrangements to help poor children. Gandhi Park being in the centre of the city attracts many children every day. We have very often seen that ragpickers, kids selling balloons and other vulnerable children peeping from the outside and seeing other kids playing in the park happily. This sight is depressing which is why we want the poor children to enter the children play zone."
When asked about the implementation of the idea she said, “The commission has already sent a letter to the MCD seeking permission to grant free entry of poor children in the children play zone on at least two days in a week. I have also planned a meeting with the officials of MCD to discuss this further and work out aspects related to funds. The meeting will be conducted within 10 days or by the end of this month. I hope this idea of helping poor children in some manner will be implemented very soon by the SCPCR in collaboration with the MCD."
When asked about this, the municipal commissioner Vijay Kumar Jogdande said, “We have not received the letter yet which is why we are unable to give information on the subject at present. But, as soon as we have information about it steps will be taken accordingly."