Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jan 17: A public interest petition has been filed in the High Court, urging the government to urgently identify, rescue, and provide shelter to children forced to beg at traffic signals across Goa. The PIL, filed by advocate Moses Pinto, seeks government action to implement child protection measures, provide temporary shelters, ensure access to education, and form a task force to address child exploitation in public spaces.

The petition highlights the serious risks to children’s lives, including exposure to road hazards, and the violation of their constitutional right to education and dignity. Pinto emphasized the increased prevalence of child begging, particularly during peak seasons, and cited instances from Margao, Panaji, and Mapusa, supported by photographic evidence of children being exploited by adult beggars.

The PIL calls for strict enforcement of the Juvenile Justice Act and the BNS 2023, an awareness campaign to sensitize the public, and regular reports on the government's compliance with the court's directions. The case highlights the urgent need to safeguard children’s fundamental rights and curb this growing concern.