Standard operating procedures launched to eradicate child beggary in Chandigarh

Sirohi said: “We must not only focus at rescuing the children, but also rehabilitationg them. We must ensure every child is given medical facilities, vocational training, de-addiction programme, sponsorship programme, identity cards and shelter homes.”

The child rights panel launched a booklet on the standard operating procedures to ensure effective rehabilitation of the rescued children. It explained the purview of different departments and steps to be followed after the rescue of a child. A case file, like a rescue report, needs to be maintained for each child.

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“While the SOP explains the duties of each department clearly, it needs ideas for stronger structure,” Adviser Rai said.

According to the CCPCR officials, the standard operating procedures will be reviewed after 15 days.

Sirohi also addressed the need for general awareness on child begging. “If we see a child who is exploited or is not given proper opportunities for growth and development, we must hold ourselves responsible for not taking care of the child,” she said.

UT Adviser Parimal Rai and deputy commisioner Ajit Balaji Joshi were also present on the occasion.

DC Joshi suggested implementation of policies like DNA mapping of children for verification of the child’s parents. Citing the example of Jhajjar Brick kilns, where nomad schools were started for students who came to work there, he said: “Nomad schools with different curriculum are a great step, but are not considered under the Right to Education Act. This creates problems. Therefore, there is a need for acceptance of these schools so that children can be mainstreamed into the education system later.”

Joshi also emphasised on the need of a public awareness campaign against the use of religion for beggary. “I believe the state is a bigger parent in terms of responsibility than the biological parent. Yet the government needs CSR collaborations to ensure every child gets education. I encourage people should sponsor children instead of adopting them so that their future is secured,” he said.

Adviser Rai said: “When you see a beggar, you must realise that the child has undergone extreme physical torture and is very scared because he has someone monitoring him. Laws like RTE and Right to Food Security exist, but the onus is on us as NGOs, administration, government or commissions to ensure they are implemented and for that, we must work in partnership. After rescuing, we must ensure that the children and their parents are counselled and proper education is given to the child.”

Giving a green signal to DNA mapping, Rai also emphasised on the need of an additional photo portal for identification. “Much like the PM’s Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Andolan, we as citizens must start a Save a child and Sponsor/Teach a Child movement to ensure children are given their rights,” Rai said.

A Facebook page called ‘Making Chandigarh Child Beggary Free’ was also launched for stronger public support.