According to figures provided by the Union Government,Gujarathas the second highest number of children who live on the streets.
Data provided by the Union ministry of Women and child development shows that 1,990 children live on the streets in Gujarat, second only to Maharashtra, where 5,153 children live on the streets.
Those working in the field of child rights say the actual number of such children could be higher, although the number of children on the streets keeps fluctuating.
Bhat clarified that there is a difference between “children living on the streets” and “street children”. “Those living on the streets go back to their homes during the night hours, while street children are those who live on the streets of one particular area. These are predominantly those who live without family members,” Bhat said.