Hands outstretched for alms will now hold pencils

According to a recent study by Delhi’s Department of Social Welfare,children make up most of the estimated 58,000 beggars in Delhi. The study suggests many have fled abusive homes while others have been brought to the city by their parents. “The numbers may be higher in other parts of the country. The idea is to get them educated so that this menace can be stopped. If the results are encouraging,we will replicate the method in other parts of the country,” added Bajaj.

The NCPCR has been in touch with various NGOs and the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights,which will start the project in the Capital soon. While consolidated data of child beggars is available in Delhi,other cities have been told to conduct surveys so that exact numbers can be ascertained. “They will be educated in batches at shelter homes,where they can stay back if they don’t have an alternative,” added an official in the Women and Child Development Ministry.

According to NCPCR officials,parents of child beggars have also given their go-ahead. “Many have said they also want their children to go to school and they are happy that the Government has finally thought of educating their children,” added another official.

Recently,the Delhi Department of Social Welfare launched a city-wide campaign to reduce the number of child beggars by urging everyone to call a telephone hotline rather than give a child beggar money.