8-year-old child labourer gets SP's post for 4 hours

LUCKNOW: An eight-year-old girl from a slum took to the post of superintendent of police (SP) rural Lucknow and comfortably commanded the station. Her two-hour stint as an officer, a dream for the girl, was an initiative on the occasion of World Day Against Child Labour on Tuesday.

Roshni, a labourer and a resident of slum 'Om Namah Shivay' in Vibhuti Khand, hails from Sitapur. She grabbed the attention of officials through her exceptional oratory skills and knowledge. A group of 14 children aged 8-14 years were taken to the SSP office for an interaction with senior police officials. The idea was to make them confident to raise their issues and concerns.

"Everybody was asked to introduce themselves. While other children stammered and were unable to speak clearly, Roshni was the only girl to introduce herself in English," said Ajit Kushwaha, centre co-ordinator of Childline, the organisation behind the initiative. Roshni had further said, "I want to become a police officer because it is the only agency which takes action on those treading on the wrong path by indulging in thefts or murder". Impressed with her skills, SP (rural) Gaurav Grover made her sit on his chair and give commands as an officer for two hours. Roshni met peons and other staff members during her stint as the SP. When it was time to go, with a firm resolution, Roshni promised to be back as an officer. Grover said children usually get afraid while facing men in 'khaki', but they should realise that the police are for their help and can be approached any time.