New Delhi: The Telangana State Police has been recognised for their incredible worksite school initiative, which was initiated by then Rachakonda Commissioner Mahesh M Bhagwat in 2017.
This project was shortlisted for the Smart Policing Award under the Child Safety category by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The award was given during the Home Land Security 2023 conference held in New Delhi. The initiative rescued 370 children of Odisha migrant workers from brick kilns in Choutuppal and Bommalaramaram mandals of Bhongir Yadadri District, Rachakonda Police Commissionarate. As part of their rehabilitation, Mahesh M. Bhagwat collaborated with various agencies, such as the District Collectors of Yadadri Bhongir, Ranga Reddy, and Medchal Malkajgiri, to provide a mid-day meal scheme for the children. This project has been successful in providing basic education to these children and has undoubtedly improved their lives.
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Vivekananda International Foundation jointly organised the ‘Home Land Security-2023’ award ceremony, recognising Mahesh M. Bhagwat IPS with the Smart Policing award on September 15, 2023.
Over 6,500 Oriya and 55 Maharashtra state children were rescued from brick kilns and received their education in worksite schools.
The project, involving multi-partner collaboration, enforced the Right to Education Act and zero tolerance for child labor, receiving recognition from Kailash Satyarthi and the International Association of Chief of Police, America, in 2018.
