Belagavi: A 12-year-old girl’s determination to continue her education despite challenges at home received support from Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar.
The girl, a sixth-standard student from Hirebagewadi in Belagavi district, faced regular harassment from her alcoholic father, forcing her mother to leave for her parental home. Refusing to abandon her education, the girl stayed back but could not tolerate her father’s behavior. Planning to find a way out, she decided to approach Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar for help.
On Friday, the girl, accompanied by her grandmother, arrived at the minister’s residence.
While the Minister was attending programs in her constituency, her son Mrinal was listening to the girl’s plight when Lakshmi Hebbalkar returned.
The girl, determined to continue her studies, narrated her ordeal to Hebbalkar and requested a safe place to stay to continue her studies.
Moved by her plight and resolve, the minister immediately contacted Nagraj, Deputy Director of the Women and Child Development Department, directing him to arrange for the girl’s stay at the Savadatti Residential Hostel for Girls. She also provided financial assistance for essentials like clothing.
“This girl is like my own daughter. Ensure she is safe, receives a good education, and has a secure future,” Minister Hebbalkar instructed the officials. She also told the girl “Study well and build a bright future for yourself.”
Within hours, arrangements were made to relocate the girl to the hostel. Nagraj, along with the child protection team, ensured that the girl received all necessary facilities.
