Aizawl: Twelve families of a Christian sect in a Mizoram district have refused to enroll with the government and avail its various welfare schemes.
The families do not want to be associated with the government or any organized agency for fear of being marked with the Biblical number of the “beast” or the “devil.”
The families belong to Sabbath Kohhran (Sabbath Church) in Lamchhip village in Aizawl district who do not send their children to school.
At least 26 children between 6-14 now keep away from school.
Members of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) led by its chairperson Lalremruata visited the village Wednesday to hold discussions with the children's parents.
However, the parents refused to change their decision.
They reminded the CWC members that they had refused to be included in the 2011 census and also did not have ration cards and electoral photo identity cards.
They maintained their stand even after the CWC members explained to them that their children have the right to education.
The parents were also offered text books and other study materials, including mid-day meal for the children by the officials of the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA, universal education scheme).
The Christians rejected the offer saying that the SSA is a part of the government.
They agreed to deliberate the suggestions of the CWC and inform them about their decision soon.
There are a number of Christian sects in Mizoram that preach against enrollment with the government in any form, creating problems for the government officials in implementing different schemes in the state.
Mizoram is one of the three Christian-majority states in northeastern India.