SAS Nagar, July 17, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
Acting on the directions of Punjab’s Social Security, Women and Child Welfare Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, the District Administration of SAS Nagar conducted a special drive this evening to combat child begging under the Punjab Government’s initiative Project Jeewanjyot 2.0.
Sharing details of the operation, Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal informed that 12 children were rescued from begging during the drive. The rescue operation was carried out jointly by District Child Protection Officer Ms. Navpreet Kaur and District Programme Officer Mr. Nikhil Arora.
Pending verification of their identities and documentation, the rescued children have been shifted to registered Child Care Institutions for proper care and protection.
Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal reiterated that protection of child rights remains a top priority for the administration. She emphasized that such rescue operations will be conducted regularly to safeguard vulnerable children and uphold their rights.
District Child Protection Officer Navpreet Kaur further highlighted that engaging children in begging is a punishable offence under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. The Act provides for the care, protection, rehabilitation, and social reintegration of children in need. Individuals found using or employing children for begging may face imprisonment and/or fines under the law.
Chairman, Child Welfare Committee, Sh. Kulwant Singh Guru, added that DNA testing will be recommended to the Deputy Commissioner for final approval in cases where alleged parents fail to furnish valid identification or birth documents of the rescued children.
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