Deputy CM Harsh Sanghvi Leads Initiative to Rescue and Educate Beggar Children
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi on Thursday personally enrolled 23 children, who were rescued from begging, into schools in Ahmedabad. This initiative is a key component of the 'Beggar-Free Ahmedabad' drive launched by the state government to eradicate child begging and provide educational opportunities.
Details of the Rescue and Enrollment Drive
The children, aged between 5 and 14 years, were identified during a special campaign conducted by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and the police department. They were found begging at various traffic signals, religious places, and market areas across the city. After counseling and medical check-ups, the children were enrolled in municipal schools where they will receive free education, uniforms, textbooks, and mid-day meals.
Deputy CM Sanghvi stated, "Every child deserves a childhood filled with learning and dreams, not begging. Our government is committed to making Ahmedabad beggar-free by providing sustainable rehabilitation through education and skill development." He also urged citizens to report any instances of child begging to the helpline number 1098.
Impact and Future Plans
Under the 'Beggar-Free Ahmedabad' campaign, over 150 children have been rescued and enrolled in schools in the past six months. The government plans to extend the drive to other cities in Gujarat, including Vadodara, Surat, and Rajkot. Additionally, 45 adults found begging have been provided with skill training and employment opportunities in collaboration with NGOs.
The initiative has been praised by child rights activists. According to a statement from the Gujarat Social Justice Department, the state aims to achieve a 100% rehabilitation rate for all identified beggar children by the end of 2026. The government is also working on a database to track the progress of each child and prevent them from returning to begging.
