‘Orphan’ children are as deserving of ‘Reservation’ (in jobs, educational institutions etc.) as children with parents of any class (SC, ST or OBC) to whom the State has extended this support.
Total Number of Orphans in India
Districts Without a Single Orphanage
Children on Street in India are Orphans
of Indian Children Receive Welfare, Orphans Left Out
Poulomi’s P.I.L. asking for more budget and support for orphans, on which the Supreme Court issued notice in 2018, the Union Government’s budget for orphans increased from Rs 750 crores in 2018-2019 to Rs 1500 crores in 2019-2020.
Sh. Raghav Lakhanpal, Member of Parliament, mentioned the plight of orphans and Poulomi’s book in the Parliament, thereby starting a discussion on the subject.
The National Commission for OBCs has recommended that orphan children may be considered part of OBCs for educational and job opportunities.
Uttarakhand has given 5 percent reservation to Orphan children in education and jobs
Maharashtra has given 1 percent reservation in education
Goa has also committed 1 percent reservation in Supreme Court
Delhi has given orphan children special rights to education, and included them in RTE
Sikkim has given orphan children special rights to education and included them in RTE
Chhattisgarh has made major policy changes, including expanding the network of orphanages in all districts and allocating additional budget
Punjab has extended the budget for orphan children
Arranged a tie-up of orphanages with Department of Education, Government of U.P. for coaching and tuition of orphan students, specially at the Class 10 and 12 levels.
Started “AAO - Adopt An Orphanage” program in Lucknow, her current hometown, in which local business houses support orphanages by donating books, stationery, money for tuition, regular visits etc. It is being expanded to more cities.
Successfully arranged long-term association of various orphanages of Lucknow with local entrepreneurs for providing vocational training and jobs for orphans, starting with 124 orphans in 2020. This programme is currently being expanded in seven cities in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
Arranged Smart TVs for all of Lucknow’s orphanages during the COVID-19 lockdown, for uninterrupted online education of orphan children.
Expansion of RTE Act to include orphan children, by combining schemes of two Departments of UP Government, for the entire state
Arranged a दिवाली-दान with orphans, a large scale drive to provide more than 1000 orphan children with warm clothes, snacks, notebooks, school supplies, sanitary napkins
Arranged a campaign for नौ-दिन, नौ अनाथालय- for donations to girls orphanages on nav durga.
Poulomi Pavini Shukla is a self-motivated young person who has dedicated herself to a highly compassionate pursuit of helping orphan children in India. She belongs to Lucknow and I have known and seen her work since I was the Minister for Women and Child Development in the Government of Uttar Pradesh. Poulomi's argument is that abandoned chi dren without parents are the weakest members of society and deserve the maximum possible support from society and Government.
This is to appreciate Ms. Poulomi Pavini Shukla for her in-depth analysis and advocacy on behalf of orphans, through her book "Weakest on Earth," presentations, and a Writ Petition in the Supreme Court. Her efforts have prompted significant governmental attention, leading to the Government of Chhattisgarh's comprehensive review and commitment to improving the lives of orphans with enhanced support and opportunities. Best wishes to Ms. Shukla in her future endeavors.
A nation's development can be judged by how it treats the poor and helpless. India is yet to have an effective care of orphans and disadvantaged children who are the poorest, most helpless and really deserving of suppori weakest on earth is path-breaking book which draws attention to this neglected category. It sets new standard of analysis of public policy from humanitarian point of view. An inclusive insight with a superlative presentation makes this an exceptional work.
This book is a deep study and analytical research on the conditions of orphans, particularly juvenile orphans I india. The effort is commendable.
It is a moment of great pride for the state that Ms. Poulomi Pavini Shukla from Lucknow has undertaken a significant campaign to improve the lives of orphaned children. She has advocated for their rights and sup support, authored the book "Weakest on Earth - Orphans of India," and filed a PIL in the Supreme Court for the provision of facilities to orphans across all states. Her dedicated efforts are bringing about crucial changes and awareness in society, and I wish her continued success in her noble mission.
An outstanding, comprehensive presentation of issues about a section of society whose voice has not been heard so far. A compelling read.
Ms. Poulomi Pavini Shukla’s visionary scholarship in Weakest on Earth illuminates the silent plight of orphaned children, compelling both policymakers and civil society to confront this urgent humanitarian concern. Her lucid policy analysis, woven with poignant case studies, sets a new benchmark for research in child welfare. Through persistent advocacy—culminating in her Supreme Court petition—she has catalyzed state governments to allocate dedicated funds and expand educational quotas for orphans. Hailing from Lucknow, her unwavering commitment exemplifies true public service, and we anticipate her continued leadership will usher in transformative reforms for India’s most vulnerable youth.
