PROPOSAL

A Study on the Role of NGOs and Drop-In Centers in Protecting and

Safeguarding Children Living in the Red Light Areas and Socially Backward
Areas of Kolkata

Several studies have been conducted in socially vulnerable and economically

backward pockets of our community. These studies have revealed the
prevalence of diseases like HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, tuberculosis etc coupled
with social maladies such as delinquencies, sexual exploitations, child
trafficking, substance abuse and illiteracy in these social Diasporas. Most
studies are focused on the problems of minors and children of sex workers.

Few studies, however, have been made on children at large living in these
areas, who may not have faced trafficking or other forms of sexual
exploitations, but none the less are extremely vulnerable to social atrocities.
The home environment, neighborhood and other social structure surrounding
these children, play a crucial role in their in their personality development
and emotional well-being. An entire population of children in these areas are
being deeply impacted by the challenging environment in which they live.
They are extremely marginalized by society and many are so entrenched in
the cycle that they become perpetrators themselves later in life. Many
children become engaged in child labour and different forms of work in order
to support their families. Other children may seek work in order to support a
lifestyle and habits that they become exposed to in this area.

The role of NGOs and Drop In Canters: The role of NGOs and other local
bodies entrusted with community development and social well-being in of
crucial importance.

In recent years, many studies have been made on NGOs role in community
development and promoting social upliftment and welfare.

Drop In Centre: A Drop - In Centre can be defined as a social welfare day care
centre run by the social services or a charity that may serve the society in a
informal manner. These Centers provide shelter to children, adolescences
especially girls and give them a sense of security during the day time, when
their parents are away at work or in some cases, when it is not congenial for
them to return home after school. (Children of sex-workers may often find it
difficult to do their home work or study late in the evening at home).
Most parents in these areas are non-literate or neo-literate and therefore
have their own limitations in supporting and understanding the demands of
their childrens schooling and well-being. Some young adolescences become
involved to sex trade, directly or indirectly, some end up working for local
parties, through local clubs, while some become victim to substance abuse.
Many young boys go on to do manual labour, for example as mechanics in
garages, running tea shops, working in catering services etc.

For young girls in these down town areas, in are affected in the most adverse
manner. These young girls are exposed to sex trade, trafficking, or forced
into child marriage.

Little attention is been given to these children, who do not belong to the
sex workers, but live in the same neighborhood. These children are
marginalized, denied the opportunity to be free of their background and
derived of an environment conducive to healthy physical and psychological
development.

Study Objectives:

To assess the vulnerability of children and youth working and living in

the citys red light areas and socially backward areas.
To identify children who are not attending school and are not under the
care of a guardian.
To explore strategies for strengthening the protection of these children
and youth through the participation of NGOs and Drop-In Centers.
To assess the role of these community-based centers and their efficacy
in preventing school dropouts, substance abuse, sexual exploitations,
child labour and other social maladies.

Study Area:

The study area includes municipal wards of Bowbazar, Kalighat, Tollygunge

and Khidderpur area of KMDA (Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority).

Bowbazar- It is a market area on Bipin Bihari Ganguly Street, situated in

Central Calcutta. There are a number of jewellery stores here, along with
furniture stores. The narrow lanes of Bowbazar have gained notoriety from
the colonial era when men from all strata of the society visited the kothas
here. With the passage of time, things have changed very little. This area
houses sex-workers, labourers, truck-drivers etc.
Kalighat- It is one of the oldest settlements of Calcutta that flourished around
the famous Kali Temple. A densely populated area; many residents are
refugees from east Bengal. Dirt, squalor, noise are rampant in this
neighbourhood.

Khidderpore- This is the port area of Kolkata, with more Muslim population.
The main residents here are the labour force of the Calcutta Docks and truck-
drivers. The Khidderpore slums are noted for its deplorable living conditions.

Target Group:

The focus of this study will be on the children and young people who are
living in and growing up in socially vulnerable areas of the city.

Children of Families who are residents of red light areas, who may or
may not be connected with sex trade.
Children of single parent/ orphans without guardians, susceptible to the
decadence of society.

The study will aim to understand the specific needs and vulnerabilities of
children living in socially backward/ red-light areas of Kolkata. It will also aim
to analyze the role of Community- based programmes and Drop- in Centers
in safe-guarding these children against physical and emotional attack.

Conclusion:

Unfortunately, these socio-economically backward areas are not going to

disappear for many years to come. As noted earlier, in these areas not only
sex trade and various related illegal activities thrive, but also in these areas
children are born, grow and live. These children are one way or the other
negatively affected by their environment. My study will highlight these issues
and will analyze the strategies and schemes adopted by the community in
order to safe-guard and secure these childrens somewhat uncertain future.