Chandigarh–In a landmark child protection initiative, Punjab has rescued 807 children involved in begging in 2025 and introduced DNA testing in suspicious cases to verify whether adults accompanying children are their biological parents, the state government said.
State Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Baljit Kaur said the move is part of Project Jeevanjyot, a first-of-its-kind effort in the country aimed at not only rescuing child beggars but also ensuring their long-term rehabilitation and protection.
Under the initiative, children found begging are immediately removed from the streets and provided health check-ups, counselling, educational support and family rehabilitation, with the aim of preventing their return to begging. The children are enrolled in schools or Anganwadi centres, depending on their age, to secure their future, the minister said.
To strengthen enforcement, special drives are conducted across all districts during the second week of every month, while Project Jeevanjyot 2.0 has been rolled out to curb child trafficking and identify networks that force children into begging.
A key feature of the programme is the introduction of DNA testing, which will be carried out with the approval of the Deputy Commissioner in cases where the relationship between a child and the accompanying adult is doubtful. During the 15–20 day period required for test results, children will remain under government protection in Bal Ghar facilities. If DNA reports establish that the adult is not the biological parent, strict legal action, including charges under anti-trafficking and child protection laws, will follow.
The minister said an FIR has already been registered in Bathinda, where 20 children were rescued from villages suspected of exploiting them for begging. Of the total rescued children, over 150 belonged to other states and were safely repatriated to their families. More than 180 children were admitted to schools, while those below six years of age were enrolled in Anganwadi centres.
The campaign has also contributed to curbing other social evils. Kaur said 64 child marriages were prevented during the year with the help of 2,076 notified Child Marriage Prohibition Officers across the state.
However, challenges remain. The minister acknowledged that 57 rescued children were later reported missing from schools or homes they were sent to, highlighting the complexity of rehabilitation efforts.
Project Jeevanjyot 2.0 integrates provisions of the Beggary Act, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, relevant Supreme Court and High Court guidelines, and special operating procedures issued by the Punjab State Child Protection Commission.
Appealing for public cooperation, Kaur urged citizens not to give alms to children seen begging and instead report such cases to the Child Helpline 1098, stressing that collective action is essential to ensure every child’s right to education and a dignified life. (Source: IANS)
