Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, determined efforts are underway across Punjab to eliminate child begging at its root. As part of this mission, the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development launched a special state-wide drive today and successfully rescued 47 children who were being coerced into begging, according to Cabinet Minister Baljit Kaur.
Providing more details, the Minister said that District Child Protection Units conducted 31 coordinated raids as part of the ongoing Project JEEVANJYOT initiative. The district-wise rescue figures are as follows:
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Amritsar – 1 child
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Barnala – 2 children
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Bathinda – 4 children
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Ferozepur – 3 children
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Fatehgarh Sahib – 2 children
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Gurdaspur – 9 children
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Fazilka – 1 child
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Hoshiarpur – 5 children
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Malerkotla – 2 children
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Patiala – 9 children
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Rupnagar – 2 children
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Sri Muktsar Sahib – 7 children
Minister Baljit Kaur further shared that 30 children were reunited with their families following identity verification, while 17 children, whose parents couldn’t be located, were placed in Child Care Institutions for their safety and well-being.
She also stated that if the District Child Welfare Committee suspects that a rescued child has been subjected to a serious crime requiring legal action, steps such as FIR registration or DNA testing can be initiated, with the District Collector’s approval. These measures ensure suspected abuse or trafficking is handled with proper legal and forensic support.
Minister Baljit Kaur issued a strict warning, saying parents who continue to force their children into begging—despite counselling—could be declared unfit guardians and face legal consequences. If it’s found that begging was part of a trafficking or criminal operation, strong legal action will be taken against the culprits.
Emphasizing the broader aim, the Cabinet Minister noted that Project JEEVANJYOT 2.0 is more than just a rescue effort; it is a comprehensive framework aimed at child protection, rehabilitation, and development. She described it as a vital step towards building a vibrant and progressive “Rangla Punjab.”
She also appealed to the public not to give money to begging children and to immediately report such instances to the Child Helpline at 1098.