Children make railway platforms their home

In India it's a common scene to see children on the railway platforms. They can be seen doing menial work, cleaning bogies of railways, begging etc. etc. on platforms. What do you think, whether they are happy doing this work? Interestingly, as per a study conducted by the Society for Assistance to Children in Difficult Situation (SATHI) , Yes 50 per cent of the children found on the tracks are happy to make railway platforms their home.

Wonder what's the reason for all such love with the platforms for such children?
"These are mostly runaway children, who come from relatively good families. Either the attraction of the city or parental pressure to work that they do not want to do, are some of the reasons why they land up on the platforms," explained SATHI secretary Pramod Kulkarni.

The survey showed that at least 40 per cent of the children left their homes because they did not fare well in their tests or some education-related pressure, added Kulkarni.

On an average, 25 children landup on the railway station every day, totalling of about 750 per month. According to the survey, which was conducted over a week, 186 children had runaway from home. The highest recorded in the age group of 12-15 years.

Over 120 had both the parents alive, 44 had single parents and only 9 were orphans. Also, 86 were first timers (the first time they were sent back home), 33 were second timers, 16 were third timers and 38 were fourth timers. Read more...........These kids prefer platforms

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