Authorities rescue 11 children during anti-begging drive in Srinagar

Srinagar, Apr 1:  At least eleven children were rescued in an anti-begging drive in the summer capital on Monday.

Out of these 11 children mostly aged between six to eight years, five were boys and six females. They were shifted to the shelter home at Nowgam and Sanat Nagar.

The drive was conducted by Child Welfare Committee Srinagar along with police and Child Protection unit at different locations in Srinagar district.

According to officials, the drive was conducted at Lal Chowk, Sangarmal crossing, MA Road under the jurisdictions of Kothibagh police station.

Officials said mostly beggars from other states were identified as engaging in begging along with their parents.

Chairperson,  Child Welfare Committee, Srinagar Khair ul Nissa told Greater Kashmir that they have rescued 11 children and all were shifted to the shelter homes.

"Out of these 11 children, one was a newborn baby, while two children had disabilities. We provided immediate support to the children including lunch. Their medical check up including drug addiction tests were also done. They were shifted to the shelter homes," she said.

She said the department would further verify the background of these children and inquire if their parents were real.

"The department will be launching more anti-begging drives to prevent these children and provide them all possible help," she said.

The Directorate of Mission Vatsalya has received guidelines from the government regarding the registration and rehabilitation of street children. Mission Vatsalya is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Government of India’s Ministry of Women and Child Development aimed at “building a protective environment for children.

The scheme is implemented by the Social Welfare Department through J&K State Child Protection Society. (Mission Vatsalya) is run through District Child Protection Units (DCPUs) at the district level with support from statutory bodies CWCs and JJBs.

Last year, the Jammu & Kashmir government prepared the draft policy for the rehabilitation of children in street situations (CISS). According to the draft policy, its main objective is to take steps for the identification and suitable rehabilitation for children in street situations.