PANAJI
The High Court on Wednesday indicated that it may issue broad directions to curb child begging in Goa, while directing the Superintendents of Police of North and South Goa to furnish details of child beggars rescued and cases registered against those forcing children into begging.
The observations by the Division Bench of Justice Valmiki Menezes and Justice Hiten S Venegavkar came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation filed by Advocate Moses Pinto, which is examining the growing presence of child beggars across the State.
During the hearing, Advocate General Devidas Pangam told the court that the issue was sensitive as many of the children involved in begging were from other states. He submitted that the authorities could not directly proceed against the children and that action would have to be taken against their parents or guardians, while also suggesting that an NGO be identified to assist the government in addressing the problem.
Petitioner Pinto informed the court that he had a list of organisations that could be considered for the task. The Bench then asked him to coordinate with the State government on the issue.
Pinto also made several suggestions before the court and the government, including a proposal discouraging people from giving cash alms to beggars. Instead, members of the public provide food or water to those seeking alms. He further referred to provisions adopted in another state and argued for penal action against those who continue to give cash alms.
While the Bench did not express any opinion on the suggestions, it sought data from the police authorities on rescue operations involving child beggars and the action taken against individuals allegedly forcing children into begging. The court indicated that after examining the information, it would consider issuing blanket directions for tackling the menace of child begging in Goa. The matter has been posted for further hearing on June 23.
