Eight children rescued from begging in Gaggal Bazaar

The Child Helpline Team and local police rescued eight minor children from begging in Gaggal Bazaar, Kangra district, on Saturday. The rescue followed a tip-off from a local resident who called the Child Helpline toll-free number 1098, reporting that minors were being forced to beg and were harassing passersby.

Responding promptly, Child Helpline district in-charge Manmohan Chaudhary coordinated with the Gaggal police, and a team rushed to the spot. After rescuing the children, the team learned that their parents lived in nearby slums.

A follow-up visit to the slums by women police officers and the helpline team revealed that the parents, originally from Uttar Pradesh, had migrated to the area in search of work. On being informed that forcing children to beg is a legal offense, the parents admitted their wrongdoing and gave a written assurance to send their children to school.

The Child Helpline team educated the parents about government schemes under the Right to Education Act, which provides free schooling, books, uniforms, and mid-day meals for children aged 6 to 14. They also promised support in the school admission process.

Pamphlets with the Child Helpline number were distributed at the bus stand to raise awareness. Chaudhary assured regular follow-ups to ensure the children are enrolled in school and appealed to the public to report any child exploitation cases to 1098, assuring complete confidentiality of informants.