Child Begging in J&K: Social Audit Highlights Policy Gaps and Systemic Failures

A recent social audit report has brought to light the distressing rise of child begging in the urban landscapes of Jammu & Kashmir. Described as a "blot on society’s conscience," the report underscores a systemic failure in protecting the region's most vulnerable population. While begging is often viewed through the lens of individual poverty, the audit reveals a complex web of migration, organized exploitation, and the collapse of local social safety nets.

The prevalence of children at traffic junctions and commercial hubs in cities like Srinagar and Jammu indicates a significant gap in the implementation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act. Under this Act, children found begging are categorized as "children in need of care and protection" (CNCP). However, the report suggests that the administrative machinery, including District Child Protection Units (DCPUs) and Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), has been unable to keep pace with the scale of the crisis.

The root causes are multi-dimensional. Poverty remains the primary driver, often exacerbated by seasonal migration from other states. Furthermore, the audit flags the risk of these children being victims of organized trafficking syndicates that exploit their innocence for profit. This situation not only violates the fundamental Right to Education (Article 21A) but also deprives children of a safe environment, exposing them to substance abuse and physical violence.

To address this, the report advocates for a multi-sectoral approach. This includes rigorous enforcement of the JJ Act, mapping of begging hotspots, and the integration of these children into formal schooling through the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. Moreover, there is a need for public awareness to discourage "almsgiving" that sustains the begging cycle, redirecting such charity toward institutionalized rehabilitation.