NHRC notice to the Government of Madhya Pradesh over the media reports about a woman earning lakhs by forcing her children to beg in Indore

Press Release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi, 15th February, 2024

Report sought within four weeks in the matter including care provided to the minor children as per the JJ Act

It is expected to include the action taken to stop the recurrence of such incidents with strict enforcement of the anti-begging law of the State

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that a woman bought a plot of land, a two-storied house, a motorcycle, smartphone worth Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 2.5 lakh in six weeks by forcing her five children aged between 2, 3, 7, 8 and 10 to beg in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Reportedly, all of them were being forced by her to beg at different locations proceeding towards Mahakal Temple.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, amount to a violation of human rights. The woman arrested in the instant case is reportedly a repeat offender which indicates that the authorities concerned are not vigilant due to which the young children are being victimized even by their family members. At an age when young children have to attend schools and concentrate on their studies and careers, they are forced to adopt unethical ways of living.

Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh calling for a detailed report in the matter within 4 weeks. The report should include steps taken/ proposed to be taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur. The State authorities are also directed to inform about the action taken with regard to the young children as per the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act including providing counseling in safe custody if required.

The Commission would like to know whether any survey has been recently conducted by the State government to find out the number of beggars, action taken against them as well as steps taken for their rehabilitation.

While issuing the notice, the Commission has also noted that there is no anti-begging law at the national level. However, different states have passed laws to deal with the vicious practice of begging. The State of Madhya Pradesh has passed and adopted "The M.P. Bhiksha Vritti Nivaran Adhiniyam, 1973". The law provides for the prevention of begging, detention, training and employment of beggars and their dependents, in certified institutions and for the custody, trial and punishment of beggar offenders in the State of Madhya Pradesh. Therefore, there is a need for a strict implementation of the law so that children do not become easy prey for the anti-social elements.

According to the media report, carried on 13th February, 2024, the woman was arrested by the police and sent to jail on remand on 12.02.2024. Her daughter, aged 7 years has been put in the care of an NGO by the authorities.

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