PANAJI
The State government on Wednesday informed the High Court of Bombay at Goa that it has begun taking steps to address the growing menace of minor children being used for begging, particularly at traffic signals across Goa.
The submission came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation filed by advocate Moses Pinto, who alleged that underprivileged children are being exploited and forced into begging at prominent junctions in the State.
Advocate General Devidas Pangam, for the State, informed the Bench that measures were already being initiated, while assuring the Court that a detailed affidavit on the steps taken would also be submitted.
The petitioner proposed additional measures to address the issue, with the Bench directing the relevant departments to examine the suggestions and work towards resolving the problem in a coordinated manner. The matter has now been posted for further hearing on April 15.
During the previous hearing last month, the Bench had issued a strong warning that Goa must act before the issue escalates into a crisis similar to that seen in metropolitan centres like Mumbai and Delhi. It had flagged “alarming indicators” of organised exploitation behind children begging at traffic signals.
The Court had also raised concern over disturbing possibilities, including minors being deliberately mutilated to evoke public sympathy, observing that the situation warranted a “serious investigation”.
Stressing the urgency of early intervention, the Bench noted that the problem must be addressed precisely because it has not yet reached metropolitan proportions. It underlined that children caught in such practices remain voiceless and lack any means to seek help.
The Court further referred to legislative measures in Maharashtra, where giving alms other than food has been criminalised, indicating that similar policy considerations may be required to curb the exploitation.
