Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) has launched a drive to rescue children involved in begging across the state and rehabilitate them.In an advisory issued to collectors and senior officials, the commission chairperson, Babita Patra, said children are frequently seen begging on streets, at markets, bus stands and railway stations in several districts. “The practice exposes them to exploitation, trafficking, abuse and accidents, while depriving them of their fundamental rights to education, protection, nutrition and a dignified childhood,” she said.The commission emphasised that child begging is a serious violation of child rights and is prohibited under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. Children found begging must be treated as ‘Children in Need of Care and Protection’ and provided rehabilitation through legal mechanisms.To address the issue in a co-ordinated manner, OSCPCR directed all districts to form a task force under the leadership of the district collector. The task force will include the superintendent of police, municipal commissioner or urban local body officials, district child protection officer, district labour officer, representatives from the special juvenile police unit and the women and child development department, along with NGOs working in the field of child protection.The task force will plan and monitor rescue operations, rehabilitation and preventive measures to eliminate child begging. District authorities were also asked to conduct regular rescue drives at traffic signals, marketplaces, bus stands, railway stations and other public places to identify children engaged in begging. Once rescued, the children must be produced before the Child Welfare Committee for appropriate orders under the Juvenile Justice Act.The commission further directed that rescued children should be placed in suitable childcare institutions where they will receive education, counselling, healthcare, nutrition and rehabilitation support. At the same time, strict legal action was recommended against individuals or organised groups forcing children to beg. Police were asked to closely monitor cases where trafficking or organised exploitation might be involved. Authorities from the anti-human trafficking unit and other police wings were asked to keep special watch on such networks.District officials were instructed to submit monthly compliance reports to OSCPCR detailing actions taken, including rescue operations and rehabilitation measures. The commission said co-ordinated efforts across departments are essential to eradicate child begging and ensure every child’s right to safety, care and education.
