Mumbai, January 12: Voluntary groups have asked citizens not to give food or alms to street children, as this will probably keep them on the streets forever and push them into a drug habit. The plea comes against the backdrop of the government’s decision to form a special force to rescue child beggars.
The groups have suggested that citizens should instead help these children get admitted to a shelter or welfare home, where they get safety and an education. Citizens can also help fund such shelters.
The city Child Welfare Committee (CWC), a statutory body that authorises the admission of abandoned and runaway children to welfare shelters and homes, has said that free food distributed at temples and streets is causing former street kids to run away from shelters and resume begging.
Dr Shaila Mhatre, chairperson of CWC, Mumbai, said that if a child is brought to a welfare centre, there is hope that s/he may get some education or skills for a better future. “The child will also benefit from counselling. People should pick up these children and bring them to the children’s home at Dongri or inform the nearest police station. This will help the child more than donations of food and money,” said Mhatre.
“Feeding street children does not really help them. Their lives remain unchanged. Citizens who want to help them should talk to them and attempt to bring them back to the mainstream. Getting them to a welfare shelter could give them an education and protection,” said Madhvi Mhatre, programme head, Concern India Foundation, an NGO working in the field of health and education.
A volunteer with an NGO said, “On the streets, children may get into begging, rag picking and drugs. Many children run away from shelters and welfare homes because they don’t see why they should continue to live in shelters when they get easy food on the streets.”
Varsha Gaikwad, minister for women and child welfare, said, “People should donate to NGOs that are working for children. They can also volunteer at children’s homes and teach them skills.”