Vadodara Authorities Launch Major Crackdown on Child Begging
In a significant move to protect vulnerable minors, the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) of Vadodara conducted a targeted drive on Wednesday against the exploitation of children for begging activities. The operation resulted in the identification and rescue of 11 children who were found begging alongside their parents at various locations across the city.
Joint Operation with Police and Childline
The anti-begging initiative was executed as a collaborative effort between the CWC, the Anti Human Trafficking Cell of the Vadodara Police, and the Childline organization. To ensure comprehensive coverage, authorities formed two specialized teams that conducted simultaneous raids in multiple high-traffic areas.
The operation specifically targeted locations including:
- Racecourse and Alkapuri sectors
- Genda Circle and Fatehgunj areas
- Harni and Karelibaug neighborhoods
- Nizampura and SSG Hospital vicinity
Focus on Major Crossroads and Repeated Operations
Officials revealed that the drive primarily concentrated on major crossroads where begging activities are most prevalent. This marked the third such operation conducted in recent weeks, indicating an intensified focus on eradicating child begging from the city's streets.
An official emphasized the historical significance of this initiative, noting that this was the first dedicated drive specifically launched in Vadodara to curb begging involving children. Previous efforts had addressed begging more broadly, but this operation represented a targeted approach to protect minors from exploitation.
Legal Awareness and Encroachment Removal
During the intervention, authorities provided comprehensive information to both children and their parents about the legal provisions concerning the use of minors for begging. The educational component aimed to create awareness about the serious consequences of involving children in such activities.
The investigation uncovered that some families had established temporary dwellings near a garden in Fatehgunj to maintain proximity to prime begging locations, despite having permanent residences in the Bajwa area. In response, the police and government authorities promptly removed these encroachments, dismantling the temporary structures that facilitated the begging operations.
This coordinated action demonstrates Vadodara's growing commitment to child protection and represents a significant step toward creating a safer environment for vulnerable children in urban spaces.
