DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Punjab's Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, stated that the Punjab Government's flagship initiative Project JEEVANJYOT-2 is emerging as a beacon of hope for children forced into begging.

She informed that during 19 special raids conducted across the state today, a total of 6 children were rescued. With this, the cumulative number of children rescued under the campaign has reached 203 in just 12 days since the project's launch. Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the impact of the project is clearly visible at the grassroots level, as the number of children being found in such circumstances is steadily decreasing, thanks to consistent field surveillance and action. "This indicates growing public awareness and weakening of the networks forcing children into begging," she said.

Sharing district-wise details, the Minister informed that 1 child was rescued from Barnala, 3 from Malerkotla, and 2 from Sri Muktsar Sahib. Out of these, 4 children were handed over to their parents after proper verification of documents and counselling, while 2 children from Sri Muktsar Sahib were sent to shelter homes.

She added that a total of 105 children have been admitted to government-run child care institutions so far, where arrangements for education, food, and accommodation have been made to ensure their well-being and development.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further stated that DNA testing will be conducted wherever there is any suspicion regarding the identity or relationship between the child and accompanying individuals. She warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found forcing children into begging, underlining that such individuals will not be spared under any circumstances.

She reiterated that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Government is committed to eradicating child begging from its roots. Rescued children are being integrated into various social welfare schemes and provided with quality education, shelter, and nutrition to help them become self-reliant and empowered citizens.

Dr. Baljit Kaur appealed to the people of Punjab not to give alms to children and to immediately report any instance of child begging to the Child Helpline number 1098. She said that no social evil can be eradicated without public support, and expressed confidence that this mission will become even more impactful in the coming days.

(editor@dailyworld.in)