The Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) has directed authorities to remove child beggars from traffic junctions, bus stands, and public places across the state.
Chairperson Babita Patra issued instructions to all district collectors, police superintendents, and municipal commissioners to act immediately.
Each district will form a task force headed by the collector. Members will include the police superintendent, municipal commissioner, district child protection officer, and labour officer. These teams will conduct regular drives to rescue children engaged in begging and arrange safe shelter for them.
Rescued children will be produced before the Child Welfare Committee and placed in care centres. They will receive free education, healthcare, and counselling. Strict legal action will target individuals or groups forcing children into begging. Police units IUCAW and AHTU have been instructed to monitor child trafficking and exploitation.
The commission urged citizens not to encourage child begging and to report such incidents to the child helpline. Authorities must submit monthly compliance reports to OSCPCR on the progress of the campaign.
