New Delhi, May 12 (IANS): Over 100 dignitaries including educationists urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take appropriate steps to safeguard children's rights to survival, protection, education and development during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.

The memorandum by the RTE Forum asked for immediate and necessary actions to ensure child rights are protected to stop the increase of out of school children, child labour and child trafficking.

Ambarish Rai, National Convenor, RTE Forum said: "If there is too much focus on online modes of teaching, then majority of children especially from marginalised communities will be deprived of their right to education."

Keeping in mind the existing digital divide, the memorandum suggests the use of offline modes to reach children by maintaining physical distance. The memorandum further suggests that educational materials could be provided along with relief and dry food packages by the government.

"Extraordinary circumstances demand extraordinary measures, and every measure should be in accordance with the values and provisions of the Constitution of India. These measures must have a humane approach and provide a level playing field for all," it said.

The memorandum urged the government to safeguard food security of India's children by ensuring smooth implementation of home-delivery of mid-day meals.

It also sought to ensure children are protected from risk of violence and abuse during the lockdown and suggested measures to prevent these.

Citing provisions of Section 10(2)(1) of the Disaster Management Act, the memorandum suggests that an order must be issued to place a moratorium on private schools hiking or collecting any fees until normalcy is restored.