Dear Editor,
The prevailing scenario of drought in the current year is really very alarming and absolutely horrifying. A recent study which attempted an in depth analysis has made few startling and spine chilling revelations. This year the rain fall deficit has given us the longest spell of drought surpassing all previous records of 100 years. Tentatively 33.6 crore people have been severely hit by the deadly drought in 254 districts. The overall impact is conspicuously colossal and irreversible. More worrisome is the figure of 16.3 crore children who have been adversely affected by this calamity making them more vulnerable to the consequent health and education problems. The news of hapless parents succumbing to abandon young girls as Devdasis as sequel to their being unable to provide them drinking water at homes sends shivers down the spine and resultantly the tradition of dedicating girls to Yellama, the Goddess associated with Devdasis is on the rise in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and states worst afflicted with drought. The situation has further led to failure of crops and industry. 1,430 farmers have committed suicide in Marathwada region of Maharashtra since January last year, leaving behind over 3,500 children to struggle for survival together with their helpless mothers.
41 per cent of population in India comprises children below 18 years of age who are confronted with heavy risks of early childhood care and development. As per National Crime Records Bureau data of state wise missing children, more than half of these children in India come from 10 drought hit- states. Keeping in view the proportion and magnitude of drought spread over 10 states it should be treated as top national priority. The Union Govt should mandate the states to formulate agencies and involve NGOs to initiate the relief measures on war footing to ensure that no child in affected states is forced into child labour, bonded labour, child marriage or is trafficked or is constrained to leave the school. The enlightened masses and saner elements in the country do understand that children play a crucial role in the development of human capital. As such we can ill afford to neglect and squander that divine treasure. Parliamentarians please mind, it is not a trash or a trivial issue. Discuss it in both Houses treating it as top national agenda to frame a national policy to ensure safety of children in agony in drought hit states.
P. C Sharma
Trikuta Nagar
