Begging and Child Rights in India

This research paper examines the intersection of child rights and the persistent problem of child begging in India, analysing it as a grave 0violation of children’s fundamental rights to dignity, education, health, and protection. It critically explores the legal, social, economic, and institutional dimensions of child begging, highlighting factors such as poverty, illiteracy, social exclusion, inadequate welfare access, and organized exploitation networks. Adopting an interdisciplinary socio-legal approach, the study analyses constitutional provisions including Articles 21, 21A, 23, and 39, rel evant statutes, judicial pronouncements, and international instruments such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The paper argues that criminalisation of begging without addressing its root causes often exacerbates victimisation rather than ensuring child protection. Emphasising a rights-based framework, the research advocates preventive strategies, effective rehabilitation, education, and reintegration of affected children, while identifying legislative gaps and judicial trends. Ultimately, the study seeks to contribute to child rights jurisprudence by proposing humane, sustainable, and child-centric policy reforms to address child begging in India