Advocacy Group (RAAG), a registered Voluntary organization of Jammu and Kashmir engaged in socio-legal research and Social welfare cause, has filed a petition before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Jammu seeking urgent intervention for the protection and rehabilitation of minor children allegedly being used for begging at major traffic junctions in Jammu city.
In a separate
complaint submitted to the District Magistrate, Jammu, on the same issue, the
organisation has also demanded substantive and precautionary measures by the
district administration to curb the exploitation of children.
In its plea the RAAG organization has highlighted the
recurring and disturbing sight of Jammu
city wherein women carrying infants and very young children while collecting alms(Money)
from motorists at prominent locations including Satwari Chowk, Bikram Chowk and
others. In the petition, the
organization has alleged that these children remain exposed for long
hours to harsh winter conditions, heavy vehicular traffic, air pollution and a
constant risk of road accidents, posing a grave threat to their life, health,
safety and dignity.
Petition has been
submitted by Advocate Madhvi Sambyal, Founder and Co-Convener of RAAG wherein it has been stated that under Section 2(14) of the Juvenile Justice
(Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, any child found begging or being
used for the purpose of begging is categorised as a “Child in Need of Care and
Protection”, thereby mandating immediate rescue and intervention by statutory
authorities. The complaint further points out that the use of a child for
begging constitutes a punishable offence under Section 76 of the Act.
The petition also
demands medical examination of such children to rule out the possibility of
administration of intoxicating or harmful substances, an offence punishable
under Section 77 of the Act.
RAAG has urged the
Child Welfare Committee to conduct detailed inquiries into the identity of the
victim children , role of the accompanying adults, and order medical screening.
The organisation has also sought
scientific procedures to rule out trafficking or organised exploitation.
While elaborating further about her petition , Advocate Madhvi Sambyal said ‘ It is the collective responsibility of the state and society to take care of the minor children, we cannot allow them to be exploited’. She also invited young volunteers to join the mission of RAAG organization based on legal and constitutional values.
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