Bhubaneswar, 15 March (H.S.): The Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) has issued a statewide directive to curb child begging, particularly at traffic intersections, bus stands, and other public places across Odisha.

In a letter issued by Commission Chairperson Babita Patra, all district collectors, superintendents of police, and municipal commissioners have been instructed to take immediate steps to prevent children from being engaged in begging on roadsides and traffic signals.

As part of the initiative, district-level task forces will be constituted in every district under the chairmanship of the district collector. The task force will include the superintendent of police, municipal commissioner, District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), and labour officer as members.

The task forces will conduct regular raids in urban areas to identify and rescue children involved in begging. Rescued children will be produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and subsequently placed in child care institutions.

Officials said the rescued children will be provided with free education, healthcare, and counselling facilities to support their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

The commission has also warned that strict legal action will be taken against individuals or groups found forcing or exploiting children for begging.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda