Children in street situations

The concerned authorities in Jammu, and Srinagar cities have launched a mission to rehabilitate the children in street situations. They include those children engaged in labour and begging. The problem of children in street situations is not so prevalent here, while as  it is an alarming problem outside.

Every year after the winter, large number of families hailing from outside  arrive here and indulge into begging along with their children. Some years back, the then J&K government had imposed a ban on begging at public places.

Those violating the ban were being arrested. However, the state high court later lifted the ban. But forcing children into begging or labour continues to be banned. Reports say a number of children are working in business establishments including hotels and dhabas.

Campaigns are presently being run by various departments to rescue the children engaged in labour and begging, in coordination with their parents. They are enrolled into Aadhar database, rehabilitated and admitted into formal education system.

The authorities are announcing stern stance against all forms of child exploitation. Directions have been given for stringent action, especially cancellation of the registration of business establishments  of those found forcing children to work in dhabas; also appropriate criminal action against trafficking or forcing children into begging.

The authorities in Srinagar have been visiting various public places and crossings, rescuing the children engaged in begging. Due to the timely intervention of the authorities the begging by children has come to a halt to a large extent .

The problem of child labour should be dealt with sternly. The necessary rules must be implemented effectively. The children must get the rights they deserve. Due to poverty they should not be deprived of their rights.

The children in street situations must be properly rehabilitated and given formal education. Those forcing children into begging or labour have to  be dealt with sternly. The problem of child labour can get serious in coming times if necessary steps are not taken in time to solve it.

The fresh initiatives at the administrative level is a positive move but people should also cooperate and stop engaging children for labour.