Jammu: The Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Jammu, has directed immediate action to protect minor children found being used for begging at traffic junctions and other public places in Jammu city.
Such children fall under the category of “Children in Need of Care and Protection” under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
The Child Welfare Committee, through its Chairperson, Mrs. Vidhi Dubey, issued the order today following a complaint filed by the Research and Advocacy Group (RAAG) through its Co-Convener, Advocate Madhavi Sambyal. The complaint raised concerns about the grave risks posed to the lives, health, and dignity of children used for begging, particularly in severe winter conditions and hazardous traffic environments.
In its order, the Committee directed the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), Jammu, to conduct a Children in Street Situation (CISS) drive at all traffic junctions in Jammu city, rescue children being used for begging, ensure their comprehensive medical examination, and produce them before the CWC for further proceedings.
It also asked the DCPO to follow up on the cases of all children rescued or rehabilitated during previous Children in Street Situation (CISS) drives.
The complaint filed by RAAG specifically highlighted that children are being used as tools for solicitation at traffic junctions in Jammu, and that such acts attract penal consequences under Sections 76 and 77 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
Meanwhile, serious concerns were also raised regarding the possibility of organised exploitation, trafficking, and even the intoxication of children to keep them passive, all of which require immediate investigation.
RAAG welcomed the order and said it hopes the directions will lead to consistent action on the ground, ensuring that vulnerable children are kept away from unsafe public spaces and provided with care, dignity, and protection.DD