Kailash Satyarthi NGO targets groups forcing kids to beg at red lights

Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi’s NGO Bachpan Bachao Andolan and the Central government’s National Commission for Protection of Child Rights are teaming up to target organised groups that force children to beg at traffic signals in the city.

The NGO has been conducting raids in several parts of Delhi to rescue child labourers. On Tuesday, several small eateries were forced to shut down as they were flouting child labour laws. The NGO will target motor vehicle mechanic shops and eateries in South Delhi on Thursday.

Bachpan Bachao Andolan has been conducting raids across the city to bust industries that employ young children. On Tuesday, nine small eateries and dhabas were sealed in Mehrauli as raids revealed that young boys were being employed there.

“We rescued 22 children on Tuesday. We have planned an industry-wise rescue plan. The eateries included a few small joints and restaurants like Aggarwal Sweets as well. All the nine joints have been sealed,” said Rakesh Senger, an activist working with Bachpan Bachao Andolan.

Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Senger revealed that the NGO will raid garages and repair centres in the city on Thursday. “Auto shops and garages are places from where we receive most complaints. So, we will send our teams accompanied by the police teams and SDM (sub-divisional magistrate) to conduct raids.”

Mr Senger also said his organisation is working towards a detailed plan and operation to bust organised groups involved in supplying children for begging and selling items at the city’s traffic signals.

“The police claims no organised group is involved in begging, we have contested that. As per our reports, the same children can be spotted selling pens, flowers and other items. There has to be someone supplying them the material,” Mr Senger explained.

With the help of the Delhi police’s crime branch and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Bachpan Bachao Andolan said it will rescue and rehabilitate the children forced to beg or forcibly sell items at traffic lights.