(a)Redeploying public buildings and infrastructure. - Lack of buildings because of the high cost of real estate in cities is the severest bottle-neck to provide facilities for urban deprived, vulnerable children. The Government can at best fund a few 'model' hostels, but this would not cover the tens of thousands of street children in every city. Most State and local governments have large unused and under-utilised buildings and infrastructure , which need to be redeployed and shared with street children. The best and most economical approach, and one that has the potential to reach every street child, is to share spaces in existing schools that are vacant. Such buildings may need only small additions for toilets, bathing places and a kitchen. Such an approach also has the potential to lead to integration, dignity and the learning hands-on of egalitarian compassion and pluralism.
