CHILD BEGGING IN INDIA: A REALITY OR SCAM?

AUTHOR – ADV. SIDDHI GOKULDAS NAIK, ADVOCATE/ ASST.PROF IN LAW AT V.M.SALGAONCAR COLLEGE OF LAW

BEST CITATION – ADV. SIDDHI GOKULDAS NAIK, CHILD BEGGING IN INDIA: A REALITY OR SCAM?, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (1) OF 2025, PG. 1084-1091, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

INTRODUCTION

“Naked feet, walking on the street.

Tiny palms, begging for a treat.

Only if we could look deep into their eyes,

We will know where the reality lies!”

Childhood is regarded as the formative phase in every person’s life. Having a beautiful childhood is indeed the most cherished gift of all. Unfortunately, not every child is blessed with such a fortune.

In today’s hectic pace of life, we come across so many people. A popular sight on most of the Indian streets comprises innocent children with tangled hair, teary eyes, malnourished bodies, and outstretched hands constantly knocking at our windows, peeping inside the cars begging for either money or food. This is more common at Traffic signals, Temples, Mosques, and Churches. Many people shoo them away while some prefer giving them money. But have we ever thought, What must be the lifestyle of these children? What could be their dreams? Do they beg willingly or are they forced into this dirty job? There are innumerable questions, which are perhaps difficult to answer.