Child beggary rampant in city

Kuldip Bhatia 

Ludhiana, December 9

It is not uncommon to come across minor boys and girls soliciting alms at most of busy inter-sections and also outside most places of worship across the city. While legislative measures are in place to curb begging by children and taking measures for their rehabilitation going by the widespread prevalence of the menace here, it seems, precious little is done by the district administration towards this end.

Responding to this crucial issue raised in a complaint by a social activists Rohit Sabharwal with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), the panel has sought action taken report (ATR) from the Deputy Commissioner through its letter (HR-128514-2019-20/JJ/NCPR dated November 3, 2019).

The national panel has written to the district authorities that it had taken cognisance of the complaint under section 13(1)(j) of the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act 2005. “Accordingly, an ATR of steps taken in this regard, as per law, be filed to the Commission within a period of 15 days,” said the panel.

Taking up the issue with the NCPCR, Sabharwal had pointed out in his complaint that in the city, especially at the Bharat Nagar Chowk, Bhaibala Chowk and outside the Durga Mata Mandir near Jagraon Bridge, many children below the age of 14  years were seen begging. These underage beggars included girls as well which was sheer exploitation of these children and a complete failure on the part of the District Administration which was duty-bound to curb this practice and take steps for rehabilitation of underage beggars. 

He said it was the fundamental right of every child to get educated at this age but being put on begging, they were being exploited. “It is quite obvious that they are being forced to beg due to poverty or any other reason at this tender age. Immediate intervention of the NCPCR is, therefore, called for to safeguard the rights of these children through comprehensive rehabilitation measures,” Sabharwal said.

Deputy Commissioner Pradeep Agrawal said the directions were issued to the departments concerned for child welfare to act against child beggary and for rehabilitation of such children under various programmes of the government. “Supervisory officials keep monitoring the situation and appropriate action, as per law, is taken for welfare of poor children,” he added.

What the law says

• Section 24(1) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2000 provides that whoever employs or uses any juvenile or the child for the purpose of begging or causes any juvenile to beg, can be imprisoned up to three years and shall also be liable to fine. 

• Those who abet begging are also liable for the same punishment. Section 363A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) provides for punishment for a person who kidnaps or maims a minor for purposes of begging.

• Unauthorised vending/hawking and begging in trains and pm railway premises is an offence under the provisions of Section 144 of the Railways Act, 1989.