Early Times Report
JAMMU, Feb 3: 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, has issued an order dated 03-02-2026, following the complaint filed by Research and Advocacy Group-RAAG through its Co-Convener Advocate Madhavi Sambyal, raising concern of the grave risks posed to the lives, health, and dignity of the children used for begging, particularly in severe winter conditions and hazardous traffic environments.
In its order dated the Committee directed the District Child Protection Officer, Jammu, to conduct Children In Street Situation (CISS) Drive on all traffic junctions of Jammu City and rescue children who are being used for the purpose of begging, conduct their comprehensive medical examination and produce them before the CWC for further proceedings. It also asked the DCPO to follow up the cases of all Children rescued/rehabilitated during the previous Children in Street Situation (CISS) drives.
The complaint filed by RAAG had 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. Serious concerns were also raised regarding the possibility of organized exploitation, trafficking, and even intoxication of children to keep them passive, all of which require immediate investigation.
RAAG welcomed the order and said it hopes that the directions will lead to consistent action on the ground, ensuring that vulnerable children are kept away from unsafe public spaces and provided care, dignity and protection. |
