SAS Nagar, June 26- During a drive launched by the Punjab government in SAS Nagar district to curb child begging, three children have been rescued from the profession of begging.
Giving information, Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal said that protecting the rights of children is the top priority of the administration, and such drives will continue in future too to ensure the safety and welfare of children.
District Child Protection Officer Navpreet Kaur said that a strict warning has been issued to the parents, making it clear that any such act in future will be punishable under the due process of law.
She informed that involving children in the profession of begging is a punishable offence under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which provides for the care, protection, treatment, and rehabilitation of needy children.
According to the Act, any person who forces or uses a child to beg can be imprisoned, fined, or both. The Act aims to create a safe environment for children and uphold their rights.
Chairman of the Child Welfare Committee Kulwant Singh Guru said that forcing minors to sell goods also falls under the definition of begging. He urged the public not to give alms to children and not to buy goods from them, as such behaviour encourages children to beg and sell goods on the streets.