Steps taken by the Government for Child Beggars

Steps taken by the Government for Child Beggars

Part of: GS Prelims and GS – I – Social Issues & GS- II – Welfare schemes

In news

• Lok Sabha recently informed about the steps related to Child Beggars.
• Ministry: Ministry of Women and Child Development

Key takeaways 

• 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 of the Act,2015, a child who is found working in contravention of labour laws or is found begging is included as a “child in need of care and protection”. 
• As per Section 76, whoever employs any child for the purpose of begging shall be punishable with imprisonment upto five years and fine of one lakh rupees.
• Child Protection Services (CPS) under Integrated Child Development Services scheme supports the children in difficult circumstances including child beggars and destitute children.
• Institutional care is provided through Child Care Institutions (CCIs), as a rehabilitative measure.
• The scheme supports 24×7 emergency helpline service for children in distress conditions (toll free number, 1098 from anywhere in India.
• A pilot project is undertaken for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons engaged in the act of begging in 10 cities. 
• It includes education of children engaged in begging/children of persons engaged in the begging.