Maharashtra News: Raigad DLSA Launches 'Saathi Samiti' Drive To Provide Aadhaar Cards To Homeless, Undocumented Children

In a step to protect and empower homeless and undocumented children, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Raigad-Alibag has launched a special initiative under the guidance of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), New Delhi and the State Legal Services Authority, Mumbai. The programme aims to provide such children with official identity documents like Aadhaar cards, enabling them to access education and government benefits.

A special task force named ‘Saathi Samiti’ has been formed for this purpose. The initiative will be conducted from June 27 to August 5, during which the committee will carry out a district-wide survey of homeless and nomadic tribal children who currently have no legal documents or proof of identity.

These children, often deprived of their right to education due to the lack of documentation, will be issued Aadhaar cards through this initiative. This will significantly assist them in enrolling in school and availing other welfare schemes, effectively laying a foundation for their future development.

The campaign is being led by Principal District and Sessions Judge Shri Rajendra Sawant, who is also the Chairperson of the DLSA. The programme is coordinated under the leadership of Tejaswini Nirale, Secretary of the DLSA and Chairperson of the Saathi Samiti.

The committee comprises representatives from various sectors, including legal aid systems, local administration, all taluka-level tehsildars, police, health and education departments, Child Welfare Committee members, legal professionals, legal volunteers, the District Health Officer, Women and Child Development officials, and both governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

These stakeholders will work collaboratively at all administrative levels to ensure that the rights of homeless children are protected and upheld.

"Citizens are urged to inform the DLSA, Raigad-Alibag office about any homeless or undocumented children they know, so that maximum benefit can be extended to these vulnerable sections," said Nirale.