The Laws Exist
36/36A "If a person employs a child for begging or causes a child to beg"...or "employs or incites a child to sell goods with the intention of begging"..."he shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years"..."with fine which may extend to one hundred thousand rupees"
24 "A child protection officer may take into custody a destitute and neglected child and produce him along with the complaint before a court within twenty four hours of taking the child into such custody"
“‘protection’ means shelter, maintenance, education, healthcare and well-being of a destitute and neglected child…”
The Organisation Exists
In order to provide care, rehabilitation, education and training to the destitute and neglected children, Government of the Punjab established Child Protection & Welfare Bureau in March, 2004.
Not only this but a child protection court has also been established which addresses the issues like custody and legal reunification of the children with their parents.
A child helpline has also been set up which provides guidance, help and coordination for their rescue and protective custody.
You can make a difference
The next time you see a child beggar on the street, report them to the authorities.
This app will guide you through interviewing the child and compiling the evidence to formally report a child to the Child Protection & Welfare Bureau.