Hi, group! I encountered a kid by name Raju when I went to a petrol bunk yesterday evening. He appeared too young; I have recently made a habit of asking such kids if they go to school, and I asked him the same and he said he completed his X class, which surprised me (given his looks)! In fact, the 10-12 year-old looks deceived me and didn't give me a hint of his original age of 18 years (which he revealed later)! The kid secured 370 something in his X class (~62%, First Class). When I asked him if he didn't want to go to College, he said he had to work because his family has loans of Rs.20,000/- to clear off, but that he's primarily interested in pursuing further education. I didn't speak to his parents or guardians yet, but I think this is a case we could pursue.
I remember the case of pending loans coming to us in a previous (health-related) case. What was our stand then? (I vaguely remember getting him an auto for hire, or at least a discussion on similar lines.) What could be our stand on this one now? From what I see, these are our options: 1. Talk to his parents/guardians and know more details about his familial situation and financial position. 2. Talk to the loaner(s) and see if they can wait for the loans to clear (with lesser/zero interest) until the kid completes his degree. 3. Find an alternative, better job for the student (since he's not child labour if his real age is to be believed), and put him in a college with timings that can allow him to work and study. 4. Find sponsors for him to clear his loans and fund his education. Anything else? BTW, Raju is working at the air pump in the IndianOil petrol bunk at the T-junction near TV9 office in Banjara Hills. (The petrol bunk is on the road that leads to Srinagar Colony, right at the junction.) Let me know what you think. NaChaKi
