Anil Jaiswal / Arijit Bose
Lucknow: For Raju, Mohan, Archita and Pappu life could have easily been a fairy tale filled with cartoons to watch, candy moments and hours of playing with favourite toys. Even they could have lived life kingsize, but life had other plans. Born in humble homes, where their parents find it hard to eke out a living, even they had to mature early even though tiny in demeanour.
For them and many more of their age and community, life starts at 7 in the morning and it goes on till the dead of the night when the traffic signals turn yellow. Often spotted at traffic signals across the city, these kids head out to work, but not without the risk of being hit by cars, jeered at, facing extreme weather conditions. All this even as law enforcers prominently guard crossings.
In recent years there is alarmingly a growing incidence of children who are minors roaming the streets cleaning cars at crossovers and begging for alms.
Child labor remains a growing concern in Lucknow despite efforts to curb it. The city, like many others, grapples with the issue where children are seen working in various sectors, such as street vending, small workshops, restaurants, and even in domestic work. Economic hardships, lack of access to quality education, and inadequate social security often push families to send their children to work. In some cases, children are the primary earners, supporting their families through their earnings.
Efforts by authorities, NGOs, and social activists have made some progress in raising awareness and rescuing children from exploitative labor conditions. However, the problem persists due to factors like:
- Poverty and Unemployment: Many families live below the poverty line and rely on their children’s income to make ends meet. The lack of stable employment opportunities for adults often forces families into this difficult choice.
- Lack of Education: Although there are initiatives to provide free and compulsory education, many children either drop out of school or never enroll. This is due to the need to earn money or the belief that education will not significantly change their economic situation.
- Organized Exploitation: In some cases, children are victims of organized trafficking and exploitation rings that employ them in hazardous or illegal activities.
- Insufficient Enforcement: Although there are strict laws against child labor, enforcement is inconsistent. Many establishments continue to employ children illegally, taking advantage of weak regulatory oversight or bribery.
Addressing child labor in Lucknow requires a comprehensive strategy that includes:
- Strengthening law enforcement and imposing stricter penalties on those employing child labor.
- Providing economic support and vocational training to families to reduce their dependence on child labor.
- Enhancing access to quality education and creating awareness about the long-term benefits of schooling.
- Engaging community leaders and local organizations to create a support network for vulnerable families and children.
The other concern is around the alleged “begging mafia” in Lucknow that goes beyond individual acts of street begging. These mafias often involve networks that exploit vulnerable individuals, including children, the elderly, and those with disabilities, forcing them to beg and collect money, which is then handed over to the gang leaders. This organized exploitation is alarming for several reasons:
Exploitation and Trafficking: Many individuals involved in begging mafias are victims of human trafficking. Children and adults are often kidnapped or coerced into begging, and their daily collections are taken by gang leaders. This deprives them of basic rights and perpetuates a cycle of exploitation.
Use of Force and Manipulation: The begging mafia often uses force or psychological manipulation to control individuals. Some are subjected to physical harm or emotional abuse to ensure compliance. In extreme cases, children are intentionally injured or disfigured to evoke sympathy and increase earnings.
Organized Crime: These networks operate systematically, with a hierarchy that includes recruiters, handlers, and collectors. They often move individuals between different locations to evade detection by authorities. This organized approach makes it difficult for law enforcement to track and dismantle these networks.
Hindrance to Genuine Help: The presence of a begging mafia can make it challenging to distinguish between those who are genuinely in need and those who are part of these networks. This can affect public willingness to offer help or support to individuals on the streets, inadvertently harming those who truly need assistance.
Efforts and Challenges:
- Law Enforcement: Authorities in Lucknow have made efforts to crack down on these mafias through raids and rescues. However, the mafia’s organized nature and ability to quickly adapt to enforcement measures make eradication difficult. Corruption and inadequate resources can also hinder effective action.
- Rehabilitation and Support: There is a need for comprehensive rehabilitation programs for individuals rescued from begging mafias. Providing shelter, psychological support, vocational training, and access to education can help these individuals reintegrate into society.
- Public Awareness: Raising awareness about the existence of begging mafias can encourage the public to be more discerning in offering aid. Supporting legitimate charities or organizations working to combat this issue can be a more effective way to help those in need.
Even with stringent laws and periodic crackdowns, due to inadequate enforcement or the inability to address the root causes, some families view street work as the only viable option for survival.
