According to a report published in the The Hindu, despite laws and multiple directions by the Government to end child begging, it is still a menace in the Capital.
- As per the results of a study carried out by the Delhi Government and the Institute for Human Development, which were made public in November 2021, there are a total of 4,871 child beggars in the Capital. But activists call the number a “gross underestimate” and say the figure has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, says The Hindu.
Laws related to Child Begging
- The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (JJ Act) is the primary law for children in the country. As per Section 2 (14) (ii) of the JJ Act,2015, a child who is found working in contravention of labour laws for the time being in force or is found begging, or living on the street is included as a “child in need of care and protection” ( CNCP), among others.
- A CNCP, according to the Act, can be presented before a CWC by any official, a social worker or a “public spirited citizen”. Even if a child has a family, but falls under the category of CNCP, the CWC can send the child to a children’s home, if it feels it is needed.
- As per Section 76 of JJ Act, whoever employs or uses any child for the purpose of begging or causes any child to beg shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years and shall also be liable to fine of one lakh rupees.
- The Act provides a security net of service delivery structures along with measures for institutional and non-institutional care, to ensure comprehensive well being of children in distress situations. Primary responsibility of execution of the Act rests with the States/UTs.
- The Ministry of Women and Child Development implements a centrally sponsored scheme i.e. Child Protection Services (CPS) under the umbrella Integrated Child Development Services scheme, for supporting the children in difficult circumstances including child beggars and destitute children. Under the scheme, institutional care is provided through Child Care Institutions (CCIs), as a rehabilitative measure.
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