Udupi: Operation to Rescue Out-of-State Beggars, Including Minors, Successfully Conducted

Udupi: An operation to rescue out-of-state beggars, including minors and adults, was conducted in Udupi on Friday. The initiative was led by the Child Protection Unit and the social service organization, Kolkadu.

The operation successfully persuaded the beggars to return to their native state, Rajasthan, and arrangements were made to send them back by train.

The beggars had been found around prominent areas of Udupi, including the Rajangana tourist vehicle parking lot and the vicinity of the Sri Krishna Mutt, where they had been engaging in begging.

Among them were minors who had been reportedly involved in begging along with their parents. Several public complaints had been received regarding these children, prompting authorities to take action.

Action Against Begging and Child Protection
Speaking about the operation, Nityananda Kolkadu, the head of the District Civil Committee and a social worker, shared details of the situation.

“A significant number of beggars, both minors and adults, had gathered around Udupi Mutt and the surrounding areas. Most of them were from other states, including Rajasthan, and some were even from other districts.

Many minors had been found engaged in begging activities, and some were even out of school. We had received complaints from the public about this situation,” Kolkadu said.

The Child Protection Unit, led by Vishal, Ramya, Akshata, Vidyashree, and other team members, collaborated with the emergency help unit (112) to take the necessary steps. The team also coordinated with local authorities, including Udupi’s civil society groups, to identify and assist the beggars.

“The children were not only found begging but were also out of school, which is a matter of grave concern. We worked with the Child Protection Unit to organize their safe return to Rajasthan. A total of around 40 beggars, including both adults and children, have been sent back to their hometown by train today,” Kolkadu added.

Cooperation from Local Authorities
The operation, which lasted through the day, saw great cooperation between the Child Protection Unit and local social workers. The local civil society members, including Nityananda Kolkadu, played a key role in helping manage the situation.

Kolkadu emphasized the importance of such actions, pointing out that these beggars had been a persistent concern for the community. Many minors had been found in vulnerable conditions, and the lack of schooling or proper care was causing significant concern among local residents.

The operation was designed to ensure that these children and adults could be safely sent back to their native areas where they would receive appropriate care and attention.

Ongoing Efforts for Child Protection
The initiative is part of Udupi’s ongoing efforts to tackle child begging and ensure that children remain in schools and protected from exploitative situations. Kolkadu and his team have expressed the need for continued vigilance and action to prevent child trafficking and exploitation, which often accompany such begging operations.

Authorities have also highlighted the importance of public awareness regarding the issue, with local residents encouraged to report any such incidents promptly so that appropriate actions can be taken swiftly.

The Child Protection Unit has reassured the community that it will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary measures to protect vulnerable children. In conclusion, the operation conducted in Udupi serves as a critical example of community and governmental collaboration to address the issue of child begging and protect minors from potential harm.

With continuous support from local civil society groups and authorities, Udupi aims to ensure that such children are given the opportunity to live a life free from exploitation.

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