An Analytical Study of the Social, Economic and Familial Causes of Child Begging in India

Child begging is one of the serious social and humanitarian challenges confronting Indian society. It adversely affects children's education, health, safety, dignity and overall development. The present study examines the major social, economic and familial factors that contribute to the prevalence of child begging in India. The study demonstrates that poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, income inequality, rural-to-urban migration, social exclusion and organised begging networks are among the significant social and economic factors that push children towards begging. In addition, family disintegration, domestic violence, parental illiteracy, substance abuse, parental neglect, orphanhood and abandonment further increase children's vulnerability to begging. The study adopts a socio-legal perspective and examines the relevant constitutional safeguards, child protection laws and governmental policies designed to protect children from exploitation and deprivation. It argues that the existence of legal provisions alone cannot adequately address the problem unless such provisions are effectively implemented at the grassroots level. Quality education, social security, family empowerment, employment opportunities, public awareness and effective rehabilitation mechanisms are equally essential for addressing the structural causes of child begging. The study concludes that the elimination of child begging requires a multidimensional and coordinated strategy involving the government, judiciary, law-enforcement agencies, educational institutions, non-governmental organisations, families and local communities. The protection of children's rights must extend beyond rescue operations and include long-term rehabilitation, education, social integration and economic support for vulnerable families. The findings of the study may provide useful insights for policymakers, legal scholars, child-rights organisations and other stakeholders concerned with the protection of children and the promotion of human dignity and social justice.