Punjab launches crackdown on child begging rackets; 41 children rescued
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 18, 2025 – In a decisive step against forced child begging and organized rackets exploiting children, the Punjab government has intensified its campaign with the launch of Project Jeevanjot-2. Within just two days, officials carried out surprise raids at 18 locations across the state and successfully rescued 41 children.
Authorities suspect that some of the rescued children may not be living with their biological parents. To verify their identities, DNA tests will be conducted. Until the results are confirmed, the children will remain under the care of child protection homes.
Punjab’s Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, stated that if parents are found to be forcing their children to beg, they will first be counseled. If they do not comply, they may be legally declared as "unfit guardians," paving the way for legal adoption proceedings for the affected children.
Dr. Kaur warned that individuals or gangs involved in trafficking or exploiting children for begging face stringent legal action, with penalties ranging from five years in prison to life imprisonment.
Project Jeevanjot was first launched in September 2024. Over the last nine months under Jeevanjot-1:
- 367 children were rescued across Punjab
- 350 were reunited with their families
- 17 remain in state care as their parents are yet to be located
- 150 children, originally from other states, were sent back to their families
- 183 children were admitted to schools
- 13 children under six were enrolled in Anganwadi centers
Recognizing the role poverty plays in child begging, the government has also initiated support measures.Thirty children now receive ₹4,000 per month for education, and sixteen receive a ₹1,500 monthly pension.
Dr. Kaur further shared that every three months, follow-up checks are conducted. In a recent review, 57 children were found missing from schools or registered addresses — a development that prompted stricter measures under Project Jeevanjot-2.