LUDHIANA: Police are going to open the state's first ‘Vehra Dhiyaan Da’ free creche for the little daughters that poor labourers leave unattended in the mean streets of slums for going to their job.
The inauguration is on December 25 at a Moti Nagar dharamshala in Ludhiana. Most of the rapes against minors in Ludhiana are reported from the labour colonies, where children remain unguarded as the parents go to the factories or construction sites. National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) counts more than 100 cases of child abuse every day. In 2019, of the 389 cases under Pocso (Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences) Act, 76 were from Ludhiana.
The Do Good Foundation of Jasmine Pahwa, daughterin-law of Avon Cycles owner, Onkar Pahwa, has adopted the creche. Police commissioner Rakesh Agarwal said: “Ludhiana has a huge population of factory workers. The concerns of food and shelter compel these parents to leave their babies home alone. Now when they are at work, we can keep their children safe near the house and engage them in learning and fun activities.”
Ludhiana additional deputy commissioner of police (crime) Rupinder Kaur Bhatti, who came up with the idea, said: “Studying crime against children, I identified Ludhiana's labour quarters as the epicentre of child rape and molestation and wanted a solution.”
The ADCP said police picked the creche mothers from the labour colonies since they were familiar with the habits and temperament of the children of that group. Creches will also open in Shimlapuri and Daba, where Posco crimes are rife. Police look for more partner NGOs.
The Moti Nagar creche will accommodate 20 girls in the age group of 6 to 14. Jasmine Pahwa, who has adopted the creche for a year, said: “Rape and molestation are serious crimes. I am glad to be able to offer the children some protection. The caretakers have firstaid training, while the creche is under CCTV surveillance. Thrice a week, our volunteers will take the children for outings.” ADCP Bhatti said: “We have picked the site for the second creche, where we will also accommodate boys.”