SW Dept takes steps to help rehabilitate family of 3 including minor girl Viral pic of sleeping child prompts action

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 31: A photograph of a small girl child sleeping beside her grandfather in front of a shop in Imphal went viral on social media platforms prompting the Social Welfare Department to rescue and take steps to rehabilitate them today.
The girl child, only 4, and her grandfather were found sleeping in front of a shop near Polo Ground, Imphal.
In the photograph that was shared widely on Facebook with users urging departments concerned to rescue them, the girl child could be seen sleeping on a piece of cardboard beside an elderly man.
Acting promptly, the Directorate of Social Welfare, led by its Director, also traced the mother of the girl child and rescued the three of the family.
Speaking to this paper, Social Welfare Director Sheikh Abdul Hakim said the rescue operation was launched in coordination with Imphal West's District Social Welfare Officer and the District Child Protection Officer and other officials.
While the mother was working odd jobs during the day to earn a livelihood, the child was being looked after by the grandfather, who seems to be struggling to overcome alcohol addiction, said the Director.
After reaching the spot and assessing the situation, the mother of the girl child was also traced. The mother and the girl child have been brought to Shakti Sadan, an integrated relief and rehabilitation home for women, Sheikh said.
Meanwhile, the grandfather of the child has been admitted to New Life Foundation, a rehab centre, to help him recover and overcome alcohol addiction, Sheikh added.
The Social Welfare Director continued that the family will be given proper counselling and all available assistance.
The department will look into the needs of the child and the family, and take every effort to provide them assistance including benefits of Government schemes under the guidance of the Chief Minister, Sheikh said.
People are encouraged to immediately inform the department if they encounter such cases, Sheikh added, sharing helpline numbers--181 (women helpline) or 1098 (child helpline).