New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has called for greater participation from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society groups and resident welfare associations (RWAs) in efforts to make the national capital free of child begging.
NGOs urged to join the campaign
Gupta has called for NGOs and community organisations to be brought on board as part of a coordinated campaign against child begging in Delhi.
The Chief Minister also urged civil society groups and RWAs to participate in the effort, highlighting the need for community involvement in identifying and addressing cases involving children found begging.
Focus on child safety and awareness
The Delhi government has also stressed the importance of continuous awareness programmes under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
According to the report, Gupta directed that POCSO awareness activities should continue and that mandatory police-related measures be followed as part of efforts to strengthen child protection.
The emphasis on awareness is aimed at ensuring that communities remain alert to potential risks faced by children and understand the importance of reporting concerns to the appropriate authorities.
Community effort seen as key
The Chief Minister’s appeal places NGOs, civil society organisations and RWAs at the centre of a broader community-based approach to tackling child begging.
A sustained effort involving government agencies and community groups could help identify vulnerable children and connect them with appropriate protection and support mechanisms.
The initiative also highlights the need to address child begging through a child-protection perspective, rather than viewing the issue only as a matter of public order.
With NGOs and local communities being encouraged to participate, the Delhi government hopes to strengthen collective efforts towards creating a safer environment for children across the capital.