New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India on Friday issued an advisory focusing on the protection and rehabilitation of individuals involved in begging. The advisory includes significant recommendations aimed at addressing the socio-economic difficulties experienced by underprivileged children, women and differently-abled individuals.

NHRC advisory on begging | Key highlights

Survey and Data Collection:
– Establish a standardised survey format to create a national database of people engaged in begging.
– Regularly update comprehensive information on an online portal accessible to authorities, nodal agencies and shelter homes, covering parameters such as gender, age, family status, health conditions, place of origin and previous economic activities.

Rehabilitation Measures:
– Enroll people in shelter homes and issue identity cards for identification purposes.
– Ensure that shelter homes provide essential services like healthcare, registration help and financial support.
– Conduct awareness camps to inform people about government welfare programs and job opportunities.

Healthcare:
– Provide adequate boarding, lodging and healthcare services within shelter homes.
– Facilitate access to mental health counseling, addiction treatment and rehabilitation services.
– Assist residents in accessing government medical aid and insurance schemes.

Education:
– Guarantee free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14 years involved in begging.
– Offer early childhood care and education for children under 6 years old whose parents engage in begging.

Legal and Policy Framework:
– Establish a comprehensive anti-begging framework aimed at decriminalising begging.
– Implement anti-poverty measures and enact legislation to combat forced begging and human trafficking.

Collaboration with NGOs and Other Organisations:
– Foster partnerships with NGOs, civil society groups and the private sector to promote skill development and vocational training.
– Support the formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and facilitate access to financial assistance through bank loans and government schemes.

Awareness and Sensitisation:
– Develop educational materials to raise awareness and provide ongoing support and follow-up services to prevent relapse into begging.
– Engage the public to increase awareness and encourage cooperation in implementing protective measures.