Lok Sabha Question No. 2522 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-04
Subject: Begging Racket
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: ARVIND GANPAT SAWANT, BHAVANA GAWALI (PATIL)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.** 2522

**TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 4** **TH** **AUGUST, 2015/** SHRAVANA 13, **1937 (SAKA)**

**BEGGING RACKET**

†2522.	SHRI ARVIND SAWANT:

SHRIMATI BHAVANA PUNDALIKRAO GAWALI PATIL:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the number of drug addicts and incidents of begging especially by children at the road crossing are on the rise in the NCT of Delhi;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government in this regard;

(c) whether it has been reported that several gangs involved in kidnapping innocent children mutilating their bodies and compelling them for begging are active in the National Capital Region;

(d) if so, the number of such cases brought to light, guilty persons arrested, gangs busted and the action taken against them during each of the last three years and the current year; and

(e) the corrective measures taken by the Government to check such cases in future?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI HARIBHAI PARATHIBHAI CHAUDHARY)

(a) & (b): No such case has been reported to Delhi Police in connection with drug addiction by children during the years 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2015 (upto 15.07.2015).  The number of child beggars apprehended during the years 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2015 (upto 15.07.2015) is under:-

.....2/-

-: 2 :-

L.S.U.S.Q.No. 2522 FOR 04.08.2015

| Year                   | Beggars apprehended/detained   |
|------------------------|--------------------------------|
| 2012                   | 20                             |
| 2013                   | --                             |
| 2014                   | 11                             |
| 2015 (upto 15.07.2015) | --                             |

With regard to handling of children involved in drug addiction and begging, the Government of NCT of Delhi has set up eight Child Welfare Committees under section 29 of Juvenile Justice (care & Protection of Children) Act, 2000.  These committees are competent authority for dealing with children in need of care and protection as per section 2 (g) of the aforesaid Act.  At present, 20 police personnel have been kept at the disposal of the Government of NCT of Delhi for conducting raids and apprehending beggars and for launching anti-begging operations.  Delhi Police has also appointed Nodal Officers (ACsP) in all Districts for maintaining liaison with the Social Welfare Department in this regard.  The children, who are found in difficult circumstances, are produced before these Committees, which take decision in the best interest of the child regarding rehabilitation by way of restoration to family or admission in Government run and NGO run homes.

(c) & (d): As per the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India, ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects.  No data is maintained centrally about gangs involved in kidnapping innocent children mutilating their bodies and compelling them for begging are active in the National Capital Region outside of NCT of Delhi.  However, no such case has been reported to Delhi Police during the years 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 (upto 15.07.2015).

(e):	The corrective steps taken by Government to check such cases in future are as under:-

1. Effective surveillance over the activities of drug addicts and criminals involved in drug trafficking etc.
2. Public cooperation through Eyes & Ears scheme to gather information about such activities and persons suspected to be involved in drug trafficking/addiction/consumption.

......3/-

-: 3 :-

L.S.U.S.Q.No. 2522 FOR 04.08.2015

1. Stringent legal action under appropriate sections of law is taken against persons found involved in drug trafficking/drug addiction etc. Integrated Police checking is being done to check movement of such people.
2. Delhi Police also take suo-moto action by conducting periodic special drives against beggars.
3. There is one Anti Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) in each district and one in Crime Branch.  If a missing child is not recovered within 4 months, the case is transferred to AHTU of District for specialized investigation.  Wherever, it is felt that there might be an involvement of an organized gang, the case is taken up by Crime Branch for investigation.  The Cases with international linkages are transferred to AHTU in CBI.
4. A scheme PEHCHAAN was launched by Delhi Police in which a photograph of the family with all children is taken and a copy of the photograph will remain available which can be used for tracing missing children.  This scheme is being used in areas where maximum children are reported missing.

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