Photo Source; Babushahi Bureau
Project Jeevanjyot 2.0 making impactful strides: 14 child beggars rescued across Punjab
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 30, 2025: The Punjab Government’s Project Jeevanjyot 2.0 is showing tangible progress in transforming the lives of child beggars, with over 200 rescues and a growing number of reunions with families.
This was stated by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur on Wednesday.
Detailing the progress, Dr. Kaur informed that 245 special rescue raids have been conducted so far across Punjab, leading to the rescue of 214 child beggars. Of these, 106 children have been successfully reunited with their families, marking a significant step in the government's mission to eradicate child begging.
In the most recent drive, 16 special raids were carried out in as many districts, and only two cases of child begging were reported—one each from Barnala and Sangrur. Both children were safely returned to their families after verification, a sign, the Minister said, that the initiative is moving toward success.
She also shared that DNA identity verification has been completed for 16 rescued children. Documentation has been finalized for 15, and DNA samples collected from 13. In a stern move, FIRs have been registered against parents in four cases—one each in Amritsar and Gurdaspur, and two in Bathinda.
Dr. Kaur emphasized that the mission is not merely a law enforcement action but a comprehensive child protection effort. “Any person found forcing a child to beg will face strict legal action,” she warned.
Calling on civil society groups and the public, she appealed for collaboration to eradicate the social evil of child begging.“We are committed to ensuring that no child is left on the streets. Every child deserves safety, education, and dignity,” she said.
She further urged citizens to report any case of child begging to Child Helpline 1098, ensuring timely action and rehabilitation for those in need.