Mysuru authorities face a pressing rehabilitation challenge. A recent rescue operation has exposed a significant gap in the system. The city's Child Welfare Committee now grapples with a difficult situation.
The Rescue That Revealed the Problem
Officials rescued a 25-year-old woman from Rajasthan. She was begging on Mysuru streets with her nine-month-old baby. The mother continues to breastfeed her infant. This rescue created an immediate dilemma for social workers.
Existing Rules Create a Conflict
Current regulations present a clear conflict. Women above eighteen years receive rehabilitation at social welfare department relief centers. Girls below eighteen years stay at state homes run by women and child welfare departments. The law strictly maintains these age boundaries.
Mahadeva Kote, a CWC member, explains the predicament. "We encounter many such incidents during rescue drives," he states. "Typically, we rehabilitate people according to their age. This case proved exceptionally tricky."
The Heart of the Dilemma
Authorities cannot separate the breastfeeding mother from her baby. That separation would violate basic child welfare principles. Simultaneously, no existing facility accommodates both mother and child together under current rules.
"The law does not permit keeping them together in either rehabilitation center," Kote emphasizes. This legal restriction creates an impossible situation for welfare workers.
A Temporary Solution with Problems
The Child Welfare Committee adopted a temporary measure. They placed both mother and baby at the state home for girls. This arrangement violates official rules but addresses immediate needs.
"Rules do not permit such a measure," Kote acknowledges. "We recognize this temporary solution breaks established protocols."
Seeking Permanent Answers
Committee members now work toward a lasting solution. They aim to create separate facilities for women with children. This new approach would address similar future cases effectively.
"We are trying to find a solution to this challenge," Kote confirms. "Our goal involves establishing dedicated rehabilitation spaces for mothers and their children."
The Bigger Picture in Mysuru
Begging remains a common challenge on Mysuru streets according to CWC observations. Rescue operations frequently encounter complex family situations. The current case highlights systemic gaps in rehabilitation infrastructure.
Authorities continue their rescue efforts while developing better support mechanisms. The committee's experience demonstrates the need for flexible, compassionate policies that protect both women and children in vulnerable situations.
