How Many Child Beggars Were Rescued and Reunited in Punjab?
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Synopsis
The Punjab government is making significant advancements in rescuing child beggars through Project JEEVANJYOT 2.0. With over 200 children rescued, the initiative focuses on education and safety, marking a transformative step towards child welfare.
Key Takeaways
- Project JEEVANJYOT 2.0 aims to rescue child beggars.
- 214 children have been rescued so far.
- 106 children have been reunited with their families.
- Legal actions are taken against parents involved in begging.
- Community participation is encouraged to report child begging.
Chandigarh, July 30 (NationPress) The Punjab government’s Project JEEVANJYOT 2.0 is making significant progress in changing the lives of child beggars -- transitioning them from a life of hardship on the streets to a promising future filled with education, safety, and self-reliance, as stated by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Baljit Kaur on Wednesday.
According to the Minister, a total of 245 specialized rescue operations have been carried out thus far, resulting in the rescue of 214 child beggars. Among these, 106 children have been successfully reunited with their families. This progress underscores the government’s unwavering resolve to eliminate child begging.
In the most recent initiative, 16 special raids were executed across 16 districts, during which only two children were discovered begging -- one each from Barnala and Sangrur districts. After thorough verification of their documents, both children were safely returned to their families. This outcome suggests that the mission is progressively approaching its goals.
Minister Kaur announced that identity verification for DNA testing has been completed for 16 rescued children. Out of these, documentation has been finalized for 15 children, and DNA samples have already been procured from 13 of them. Moreover, FIRs have been filed against parents in four cases -- including one each in Amritsar and Gurdaspur, and two in Bathinda.
Kaur emphasized that this initiative goes beyond mere enforcement; it represents a dedicated effort to ensure the protection and future of every child in the state. She warned that anyone found coercing a child into begging would face severe legal repercussions.
“We are devoted to ensuring that no child is left to beg on the streets. Every child deserves to be safe, educated, and self-reliant. That is our commitment,” she stated. She also urged citizens to immediately contact Child Helpline 1098 if they spot a child begging, to facilitate timely intervention and ensure safe rehabilitation.
Point of View
The initiative by the Punjab government reflects a significant commitment to child welfare. By focusing on the rehabilitation of child beggars, it sets a precedent for other states to follow. The emphasis on legal action against those exploiting children further illustrates the seriousness of the issue.
NationPress
31/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many child beggars have been rescued?
A total of 214 child beggars have been rescued under Project JEEVANJYOT 2.0.
What is Project JEEVANJYOT 2.0?
It is a Punjab government initiative aimed at transforming the lives of child beggars by providing them education and safety.
How many children were reunited with their families?
106 children have been successfully reunited with their families.
What actions are taken against parents of begging children?
FIRs have been registered against parents in four cases associated with child begging.
What should I do if I see a child begging?
You should inform the Child Helpline at 1098 for timely intervention.
