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Punjab Govt rescues 704 children from child begging
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, November 2, 2025: In a major step towards eradicating child begging and ensuring child welfare, the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur has rescued 704 children through its flagship initiatives — Project JIWANJYOT and Project JIWANJYOT 2.0.
The projects, launched to rehabilitate and protect vulnerable children, reflect the state’s strong commitment to providing every child with a safe, dignified, and empowered life.
Sharing details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that Project JIWANJYOT, implemented since July 2024, involves monthly rescue drives conducted by district administrations during the second week of each month. The rescued children are rehabilitated through welfare schemes depending on their age, eligibility, and documentation.
Taking a tougher stance against organized begging and human trafficking, the state government launched Project JIWANJYOT 2.0, under which DNA tests are conducted to verify the relationship between rescued children and accompanying adults. In cases where DNA results do not match, FIRs are registered and strict legal action is taken against offenders.
Of the 704 rescued children, 269 have been enrolled in schools, 15 admitted to Anganwadi centres, 43 benefited under the Sponsorship Scheme, and 15 covered under health schemes.
“Every child deserves a safe and dignified childhood. Through Project JIWANJYOT, the Punjab Government is not only rescuing children from exploitation but also ensuring they receive education, healthcare, and a future filled with hope,” said Dr. Baljit Kaur.
She further appealed to the public to report any instances of child begging immediately, reaffirming the government’s resolve to make Punjab a child-begging-free state.