Speaking, chairperson of the NCPA - Natasha Balendran said that many street children are victims of abuse and child labour.

A new programme will be initiated to safeguard these children after holding talks with the Labour commissioner and the Commissioner of Department of Probation and Child Care Services, she added.

A survey on street children is also planned to collect more accurate data and statistics about them.

The programme will have several goals including the prevention of individuals misusing street children and development of such children's education and skills.