In response to alarming reports about the dire conditions faced by children and their families begging near the Dera Bassi flyover, Punjab’s Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Baljit Kaur has taken immediate action and issued strict orders for their urgent rescue and rehabilitation.
According to information from the area, the families are living in hazardous and unsanitary conditions in open spaces. Minister Baljit Kaur raised deep concern over the vulnerability of these children to exploitation, stressing that their protection is a top priority for the government.
ਡੇਰਾਬੱਸੀ ਫਲਾਈਓਵਰ ਨੇੜੇ ਭੀਖ ਮੰਗ ਰਹੇ ਬੱਚਿਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੇ ਪਰਿਵਾਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਬੇਹੱਦ ਮਾੜੇ ਹਾਲਤਾਂ ਬਾਰੇ ਸਾਹਮਣੇ ਆਈਆਂ ਰਿਪੋਰਟਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਕੈਬਨਿਟ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਡਾ. ਬਲਜੀਤ ਕੌਰ ਨੇ ਤੁਰੰਤ ਕਾਰਵਾਈ ਕਰਦਿਆਂ ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਬੱਚਿਆਂ ਦੇ ਬਚਾਅ ਅਤੇ ਪੁਨਰਵਾਸ ਲਈ ਸਖ਼ਤ ਹੁਕਮ ਜਾਰੀ ਕੀਤੇ ਹਨ।
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Following reports highlighting the extremely… pic.twitter.com/iyR1f3qdx0— Government of Punjab (@PbGovtIndia) August 1, 2025
She has instructed officials from the Social Security, Women and Child Development Department, Child Protection Units, and district administration to launch a special rescue drive without delay.
Minister Baljit Kaur emphasized that rescued children must be immediately provided with safe shelter, nutritious food, medical treatment, and access to education. She also directed all district authorities across Punjab to act swiftly and launch similar rescue and rehabilitation efforts wherever children are found begging.
Minister Baljit Kaur said this drive should be carried out with consistency and dedication under “Project JEEVANJYOT – 2: Save the Childhood” to ensure that no child in Punjab is forced into begging. She warned that anyone found compelling children to beg would face strict legal consequences.
Highlighting the need for coordinated efforts, she called on police, healthcare, education, and municipal bodies to work together to ensure a secure and supportive environment for rescued children.
Minister Baljit Kaur also urged the public to report any case of child begging or trafficking by calling the Child Helpline at 1098.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, she said that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, the Punjab Government is fully dedicated to securing a safe, dignified, and hopeful future for every child in the state.