Children of Islam Nagar with the books provided by Friends of Weaker Society in Ranchi on Sunday. Picture by Hardeep Singh

Ranchi, July 10: Forty children of Islam Nagar who had to discontinue their studies after the administration’s anti-encroachment drive in April will get to see to get the insides of a classroom three months later.

Ranchi-based NGO Friends of Weaker Society has taken the onus to put 40 children between seven and 15 years of age back to school, a move hailed by the victims. “My two children had to discontinue studies at the local school due to the anti-encroachment drive. A week ago, people who wanted to put back my children back to school traced us. I am overjoyed,” said parent Md Kasim.

The NGO today hosted a small ceremony for children and parents at Islam Nagar, in which out of 75 children, 40 dropouts were given free textbooks and assured tuition fees for one year. The process of admitting the children to government schools will start tomorrow. The rest, who are continuing with their schooling at Bethesda High school, St Margaret School, Azad High School and St Paul’s High School, got textbooks and copies.

NGO general secretary Md Khalil said that they had carried out a survey two months ago in which they found 1,500 schoolchildren of Islam Nagar had suffered due to the eviction. “Many left schools they were enrolled in as their parents had to leave the area. We adopted the few who have stayed back,” Khalil said.

He added the eviction took a heavy toll on the studies of youngsters, as many textbooks and schoolbags were lost. “Many had to suffer due the administration’s faulty decision,” rued the NGO official.

The NGO has collected funds from city businessmen and government officials. “Even deputy mayor Ajaynath Shahdeo adopted 13 Islam Nagar children a few months ago,” he said.

Meanwhile, the dropouts are excited at the second chance. Class X dropout of Azad High School, Md Salman, said he was counting days before he goes to school again. “My textbooks were lost. My family was extremely disturbed during the eviction drive. But now I am looking forward to starting a new life with the help of this NGO,” he said.

Neha Praveen, a Class X dropout of Chotanagpur Girls’ High school, is also hugging her dream of becoming a teacher.

“When I lost all my textbooks during the drive, I had to stop going to school. My parents were looking for an alternative place to stay. Life has been tough. But now, things are looking up,” she smiled.