While the students suffer, the government and the NGOs are now indulging in a blame game. The NGOs have objected to the new ‘stringent’ rules framed by the government and accused it of delaying funds, whereas officials have alleged that the NGOs have refused to fall in line.

NCLP was started across India in 2001 with the primary aim to rehabilitate child labourers between 9-14 years of age in special schools, where informal education and vocational training are imparted along with provision of supplementary nutrition and health care services. The schools were to be run by the NGOs short listed by the government.

As per the newly framed rules, the NGOs running NCLP centres are required to prove that the children studying are from hazardous backgrounds and are child labourers.

Other rules require the NGOs to regularly dispatch reports to the Labour Commissioner on rehabilitating children, and collect fines from people who employ children.

NGOs complain that it is difficult for them to identify hazardous and non-hazardous sectors and collect fines.

Susheela, state convenor of the Campaign against Child Labour, alleged that “funds have not been released for 6-22 months in various centres across the state.” NCLP deputy commissioner of Bangalore Urban M K Aiyappa said that a meeting will be called shortly to discuss the status and progress of NCLP centres. On delay in release of funds, he said that there was delay in funds from the Central Government.

C Chauhan, Project director of the Bangalore Urban area, said that the government was willing to release funds if the NGOs fall in line to adhere to all rules.