The Growing Crisis of Child Begging: A Call for Urgent Action

Child begging is emerging as a deeply disturbing issue, with many children being coerced into this illegal activity and subjected to abuse and exploitation. Infants and young children are increasingly being rented out by their own parents to beggars, often appearing with different women in various locations. These innocent children, often drugged to remain silent or asleep, are being used as tools in a widespread criminal operation.

In addition to begging, older children are leased out for performances in circuses or street shows. According to activists, these children endure harsh training, abuse, and exploitation, with some earning around ₹15,000 annually for their families. Shockingly, upfront payments are often demanded by criminal gangs controlling these operations.

Gondu Sitaram, a member of the Child Rights Commission, described child begging as the “biggest mafia operation.” Speaking with Deccan Chronicle, Sitaram revealed that although some progress has been made in addressing this issue, the problem remains rampant and requires constant intervention from authorities. He cited cases where women, carrying infants, have resorted to violence when questioned about their activities.

Disturbingly, babies involved in begging are often sedated using cough syrup, benzodiazepines like Alprazolam, and injections such as Diazepam and Nitrazepam, leaving them unconscious while being exploited.

However, there is hope. Organizations like Generation YUVAA, led by B Naresh Kumar, have been working tirelessly to rescue children from these dire situations. Over the past 17 years, Generation YUVAA has provided shelter to 200 rescued children, including 75 girls, and is committed to transforming their lives through education and rehabilitation.

City Police Commissioner Sankabrata Bagchi has also pledged to take action against the perpetrators of child begging. He announced plans to activate his task force to identify and trace those involved in this exploitative practice and hold them accountable.

While organizations and law enforcement are making strides, more needs to be done to protect these vulnerable children and put an end to this heartbreaking cycle of abuse.