Due to the increasing number of beggars throughout the city, the Chandigarh Administration has announced an 8-day awareness drive aimed at creating a beggar-free Chandigarh.  The initiative will commence on October 21 and will continue til the 28th. "This comprehensive campaign focuses not only on addressing the visible issue of begging and child labor but also on fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those in need. Various departments will engage in educational activities designed to mobilize the community, including a vibrant flash mob organized by NSS volunteers and a coordinated effort by the Department of Excise to ensure the safety of citizens and vulnerable individuals," a statement issued on Sunday said.  As part of this initiative, rescue drives will be conducted by the Chandigarh Police, along with the Anti Human Trafficking Unit, the District Child Protection Unit, and the Union Territory Child Protection Society, highlighting the administrations commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of every individual. The Department of School Education will also play a crucial role, engaging students in discussions about the complexities surrounding begging and instilling a sense of social responsibility.    Residents have been requested to refrain from giving alms to beggars or purchasing items from children on the streets, as these actions can perpetuate cycles of child labor and human trafficking. Instead, the community is invited to contribute to the initiative by donating winter essentials—such as new socks, gloves, shoes, mufflers, scarves, and school supplies—at designated Neki ki Deewar locations: Nari Niketan in Sector 26, Old Age Homes in Sectors 15 and 43, and Snehalaya in Sector 39. 

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