Chandigarh, September 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab has intensified its campaign against child begging under Project Jeevanjyot, with 39 children rescued during 82 special operations conducted across 195 identified hotspots in the state.
Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said the campaign was aimed at protecting vulnerable children from exploitation and ensuring their rehabilitation, education and a life of dignity.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said the initiative was being implemented through District-Level Task Forces under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to ensure that no child is forced to live or work on the streets.
The 39 rescued children were produced before the respective Child Welfare Committees for appropriate care, protection and rehabilitation. Following verification of documents and family credentials, 27 children were reunited with their parents on the spot, while the remaining 12 were placed in Child Care Institutions.
The Minister said the children would be restored to their families only after proper verification of their relationship, keeping their safety and best interests paramount.
She added that rehabilitation measures had also been initiated. Admission formalities were started for six rescued children in schools, while another six were being enrolled in Anganwadi Centres to provide them access to early childhood care, nutrition and education.
Tarn Taran recorded the highest number of rescued children at 10, followed by Amritsar with nine, Ludhiana with seven and S.A.S. Nagar with five.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said the Punjab Government firmly believed that every child should grow up in a safe and caring family environment and have access to education rather than being forced onto the streets.
She said the government would continue strengthening rescue, rehabilitation and educational interventions until child begging was eradicated from the state.
Appealing to citizens to support the campaign, the Minister urged people to report any child found begging or any child in need of care and protection to the District Child Protection Unit, Child Welfare Committee or Child Helpline 1098.
She said timely intervention could protect children from exploitation, restore their dignity and help them move towards a safer and brighter future.
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