Bhubaneswar: Children who should be in the schools are begging and seeking compassion from passengers at Bhubaneswar railway station at the behest of criminal rackets.
Made to sit at the booking counters and platforms, these street children are found begging. Unknown criminal elements that are apparently hand-in-glove with RPF officials come at regular intervals to take the collections from the children.
Occasionally, the position of the child beggars is interchanged at the platforms. This reporter who took the photograph of the begging children near the ticket counter was threatened by two ruffians who demanded that he delete the photographs.
However, when this correspondent told them he was going to report this to GRP personnel, they left the place with a warning of the consequences. Several passengers who were witness to the incident suggested that the authorities should awaken to the issue and book the criminal operatives behind the racket.
“When I took out money to pay for the ticket a little girl hugged me and begged for money. As I gave the money, she immediately passed it on to another. These people have employed the kids and this must be stopped,” said Debadutta Mishra, a retired SBI manager.
Often children are made to sit close to the counter and draw attention of the passengers.
“The child sitting at the counter initially tried to grab the cash. Although, I was irritated at her behaviour, I gave some money out of sympathy. But, this has to be stopped as these people are exploiting the compassionate people of the society towards the plight of the children,” said Santosh Kumar Panda.
Child rights activist and human rights activists have also called for action on this issue.
“It is the responsibility of the society to protect such children. Their exploitation is a crime. They are destroying the childhood and their future. Criminals are destroying the kids’ right to education and life. RPF have to take the custody of such children and produce them before child welfare committee,” said Anuradha Mohanty, a leading child rights activist.
“This is gross violation of human rights. Officials must take immediate action on the issue,” said Manoj Jena, a core group member of National Human Rights Commission.
When contacted, top railway officials assured immediate action. “I will inform the RPF and seek immediate action,” said CR Nayak, director, Bhubaneswar Railway Station.
Jose K Joseph, OP
