3 minors rescued in drive to curb child begging in Mohali
Three children were rescued in a special drive to curb the menace of child begging in Mohali, officials said on Thursday. After a verification of their documents and identity, the children were handed over to their respective parents, District Child Protection Officer Navpreet Kaur said, adding that the parents were issued a strict warning that any such act in the future would invite legal consequences.
District Child Protection Officer further highlighted that engaging children in begging is a punishable offence under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which provides for the care, protection, treatment, and rehabilitation of children in need. As per the Act, any individual who employs or uses a child for begging can face imprisonment and/or fine. The Act aims to create a secure environment for children and ensure their rights are upheld.
Vineet Verma, member, Punjab State Traders' Commission, on whose initiative the drive was conducted, also pressed upon the need of such continuous raids as public is often harassed in the market due to this menace besides the exploitation of children. He praised the action taken by the district officials.
Kulwant Singh Guru, chairman of a child welfare committee, emphasised that forcing the minors selling articles also comes under the definition of begging. He stressed upon discouraging the public to give alms to children and purchasing articles from them as this encourages the families to make their children send on roads to beg and sell articles.
Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal emphasised that protection of child rights is a top priority for the administration, and such drives will continue in the future to ensure the safety and welfare of children.
The district administration also appealed to the public to report any such cases immediately so that timely intervention can be ensured.
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