Maha balmitras avert child labour in sugarcane fields
In an initiative by the Maharashtra government and UNICEF, balmitras, or children’s friends, are trained to prevent unsafe seasonal migration of children for sugarcane harvesting. Each balmitra, usually between 18-25 years of age, looks after 20 children, connects with them through games, and ensures they complete their education. So far, the programme has averted the migration of 1,230 children.