Face2News/Chandigarh
Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is carrying out a vigorous campaign to make the state free from begging. Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that under Project JEEVANJYOT 2.0, a total of 21 child beggars have been rescued from the districts of Ludhiana and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshahr).
She stated that the district child protection teams of the department conducted special raids at the bus stands, railway stations, and other locations in Ludhiana, rescuing 18 children, while 3 more children were rescued from Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar. All rescued children have been presented before the Child Welfare Committees and are currently kept safely in children's homes.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that if investigations reveal that any person has forced these children into begging, strict legal action will be taken against them. She further added that if there is any suspicion regarding the identity of the child’s parents, the Child Welfare Committees may also initiate DNA testing on the orders of the Deputy Commissioner to ascertain the true parentage of the children
The Minister emphasized that the primary objective of the Punjab Government is to ensure a safe and secure future for every child. She stated that continuous raids are being conducted at various locations by district teams under JEEVANJYOT 2.0. Notably, no cases of child begging have been reported from districts other than Ludhiana and Nawanshahr, which reflects the effectiveness of the government’s awareness and rescue campaigns.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further stated that in order to completely root out the serious issue of child begging from Punjab, the Social Security Department’s district welfare teams will continue such raids and checks regularly across all districts, ensuring that no child is ever forced into begging.
In conclusion, the Minister appealed to the public to not give alms to any child beggar and urged that if any child is seen begging anywhere, people should immediately report the case by calling Child Helpline 1098, so that the child can be provided immediate protection, care, and a better future.