JAMMU : CMH College of Legal Studies, Jammu, in collaboration with the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, successfully organized a two-day online training program on the topic “Social Service for Children in Begging.”
The program commenced with an introduction by Dr. Nitan Sharma from The Law School, University of Jammu, who outlined the objectives and significance of the training. The inaugural session was graced by the Chief Guest, Dr. Mohd Haseeb Mughal, DIG Traffic Jammu, who addressed the participants and highlighted the need for a collaborative approach to address the issue of child begging.
The first technical session of Day 1 featured Prof. Sarika Manhas, Head, Department of Home Science (Human Development), University of Jammu, who delivered an insightful lecture on “Beggary as a Human Development Issue: Poverty, Vulnerability and Social Exclusion.” This was followed by Technical Session II, where Advocate Sugandh Gandotra discussed “Legal and Policy Frameworks for Beggary Elimination,” shedding light on existing laws and policy mechanisms.
The third technical session was conducted by Ms. Shalini Sharma, Member, Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), who elaborated on “Child Beggary – Institutional Responses, Protection Mechanisms and Field-Level Challenges.” She provided a comprehensive overview of the functioning of the Juvenile Justice Board and its role in addressing this social issue.
Day 2 of the workshop began with remarks by Mr. Sushil Singh Charak, Chief Functionary of the Nations Development Association (NDA), who emphasized the need for holistic development of children involved in begging and the role of government and administrative bodies in their upliftment.
Dr. Satwant Singh Rissam, a renowned writer, journalist, and social activist, also addressed the participants. Through real-life visuals and examples, he highlighted the importance of social awareness and community participation in addressing the issue.
Mr. Sheraz Inayat Malik, Protection Officer at the District Child Protection Unit, Department of Social Welfare, Jammu, spoke on the role of social welfare schemes and departmental initiatives. He emphasized that regular drives and awareness programs are conducted to tackle the issue effectively.
Dr. Ajay Sharma, SP South Jammu, also shared his perspectives during the session, stressing the need to address the underlying nexus contributing to the persistence of child begging.
The valedictory session was chaired by Ms. Preeti Sharma, District Social Welfare Officer, Jammu, who underscored the importance of such training programs and encouraged students to actively contribute towards social change.
Chairman of CMH College of Legal Studies, Jammu, Mr. Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali, also graced the occasion and emphasized the role of legal institutions in sensitizing students towards societal issues and responsibilities.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Maitree Jain, Administrative Officer, Jammu, who expressed gratitude to all the speakers, participants, and organizers for making the event a success.
