Child rights experts have called for strict measures for curbing these activities
Children smeared in silver glitter paint at the Khairatabad Ganesh pandal. (Photo: DC)
Hyderabad: Many children under the age of 14 are often found lathered in silver paint, tiger prints, deep blue and black shades to resemble different Hindu gods at many Ganesh pandals around the city. Child rights experts have called for strict measures for curbing these activities and say that children should not be used for any form of processions and must not be allowed to do any of these activities for money.
Not just during these 11 days of festivities, but even during Ganesh Visarjan, many children are found standing on stages set on trucks in different avatars of deities with absolutely no safety measures.“I come at 9 am and go back home by 9 pm every day. Many people click our photographs and some give us money,” said one such child. Mamatha Raghuveer, member, State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, said that if kids are being used for such purposes, it will amount to an offence under Section 23 and 24 of the Juvenile Justice Act.
“While Ganesh Chaturthi is spreading cheer among people, these activities indicate that not many notice the trauma these kids undergo. Some kids act as props to suit the theme at the Ganesh pandals all day. Even the cops do not care much about the kids. We need to seriously curb them and rehabilitate these kids in the government home for boys in the city,” she said.
Dermatologists have cautioned that usage of these chemicals can cause skin allergies and serious side effects. Dr Lakshmi Sharda, consultant dermatologist at Care Hospitals, Banjara Hills said, “Many kinds of metals are used in manufacturing these paints like sulphur, mercury, lead etc. Skin diseases and allergies are likely.” With longer exposure to these chemicals, there will be many systemic side effects.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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