The initiative was started to rescue street children, rehabilitate them, link them to education, and provide medical support.
Punjab Crackdown on Child Begging, DNA Test of Beggars Latest News Today: In a strong move to curb the exploitation of children through begging, the Punjab government has intensified its crackdown under the Jeevanjot Project-2. In just two days, state authorities raided 18 locations across Punjab and successfully rescued 41 children. Some cases, especially from Bathinda, have raised suspicions about child trafficking, prompting the state to order DNA tests to verify parental claims.
These children, until clarity emerges from forensic investigations, will be housed in child reform homes under state supervision.
Parents Forcing Children to Beg May Be Declared Unfit
Punjab's Social Security Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur, has issued a clear warning: any parent found forcing their children to beg will first be counseled. If they do not comply, they will be declared "unfit guardians," and the government may initiate the process of putting such children up for adoption.
Dr. Kaur further added that any individual or gang found involved in organized child begging could face imprisonment ranging from 5 years to life.
Troubling Missing Cases: 57 Children Untraceable
Out of the 350 children rescued in the last nine months, 57 children have reportedly gone missing, and investigations are ongoing to locate them. These disturbing numbers highlight the complexity and seriousness of child begging as a systemic issue.
Key Measures Taken by the Punjab Government:
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Launch of Jeevanjot Project (September 2024):
The initiative was started to rescue street children, rehabilitate them, link them to education, and provide medical support. -
367 Children Rescued in 9 Months:
During 753 raids, many children were saved from forced begging. Often, teams faced challenges as children and their handlers fled during operations. -
Cross-State Victims:
Of the 350 reunited with families, 150 belonged to other states. 17 children remain untraceable and are being cared for in government-run children's homes.Advertisement -
Rehabilitation Through Education:
183 children were linked to schools, including 13 toddlers under 6, who were sent to Anganwadi centers for early childhood care. -
Financial Support for Education:
30 children are now under government sponsorship receiving Rs 4,000 monthly for school expenses, while 16 others receive Rs 1,500 pensions. District Child Protection Officers (DCPOs) regularly monitor their school attendance.
However, the government is alarmed that 57 rescued children have dropped out or disappeared from the system. An urgent and thorough probe is underway.
The Punjab government’s renewed action reflects a zero-tolerance policy towards child exploitation. With DNA testing, tougher surveillance, and possible jail terms for organized crime, authorities are aiming to not just treat the symptoms but root out the cause of child begging, protecting childhoods and securing futures.
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