UP cops launch drive to enrol out-of-school children in Mainpuri

Agra: Uttar Pradesh Police in Mainpuri district have launched a drive to identify children from underprivileged families who are not attending school and help enrol them in nearby govt schools. The campaign, which began on Wednesday, has so far helped admit more than 100 children.Police said the initiative is voluntary and not part of any govt directive. Besides facilitating admissions, police personnel have arranged school bags, uniforms, shoes and other study materials for the children.Mainpuri SP Chiranjeev Nath Sinha said the role of the police extends beyond maintaining law and order. “Connecting needy and deprived sections of society with the mainstream is also an important duty of the police. Ensuring education for children is one of the greatest services to society and the nation’s future,” he said.Mayank Chaudhary, station house officer of Sahpau police station, said he visited villages. “During these visits, I found 27 kids from poor and nomadic families who had never been enrolled in school. We helped get them admitted,” he said.Musran SHO Arvind Saxena said his team identified 11 children living with their families in temporary huts outside villages over the past three days. “When we interacted with parents, we realised many were unaware of the admission process and govt facilities available for children. Our team took the children to a nearby primary school and completed their admission,” he said.Mahila thana SHO Ritu Tomar said her team has so far helped enrol 10 children and is continuing to identify more such cases. “I have asked village heads and local sources to inform us about children who are not going to school so that they can also be brought into the education system,” she said.An official said the campaign is in line with the Uttar Pradesh govt’s push for universal education and encourages participation from all departments in bringing children into schools.(With input from Sumit Sharma in Hathras)