Chandigarh, July 22:
Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government’s commitment to eradicating child begging is producing visible results through the ongoing Jeevan Jyot Project 2.0. within just six days 137 children have been rescued from begging across the State. This was expressed by the Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur.
Sharing further details, the Minister said that 19 rescue operations were conducted across 16 districts today, during which 20 children engaged in begging were rescued.
Highlighting the growing success of the initiative, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the strong and systematic ground-level implementation of the campaign has led to a remarkable outcome – at several locations, no children were found begging during raids, clearly indicating the effectiveness of the rescue and rehabilitation strategy.
Out of the 20 rescued children, 13 were handed back to their families after due verification and counseling, while 7 children were referred to a child care institution in Patiala for proper protection and rehabilitation.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further added that no child was identified today requiring DNA testing or FIR, though the Child Welfare Committee in Patiala is continuing its investigation, and legal action will be initiated if necessary.
Issuing a stern warning to parents, the Minister said that those who are found forcing or allowing their children to beg will be declared unfit guardians and strict legal action will be taken against them.
In her appeal to the public and civil society organizations, Dr. Baljit Kaur urged citizens not to give alms to children, but instead immediately inform Child Helpline 1098 upon spotting any child begging, so that timely rescue and protection can be ensured.
