Chandigarh, September 17 — The Punjab Government has stepped up its efforts to end child begging through Project JIWANJYOT 2.0, a mission led by the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development. Under this initiative, 311 children have already been rescued from the streets and shifted to safe shelters, where they receive education, nutrition, and counselling support.
A Step Toward Dignity for Children
Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur announced that the program is making a visible impact. Recently, 15 children were rescued from near a Gurdwara Sahib in Amritsar and immediately rehabilitated. According to her, the public is increasingly involved, reporting instances of child begging near markets, traffic lights, and religious places.
“Children belong in schools, not on the streets,” Dr. Kaur stated. “Project JIWANJYOT 2.0 is our commitment to ensure every child in Punjab enjoys a safe childhood and the right to live with dignity.”
The initiative, supported by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, aims to build a society where no child is forced into begging due to poverty or exploitation.
Special Teams Deployed for Jor Mela
To address the large gatherings during the annual Jor Mela in Kapurthala, special child protection teams have been deployed. These teams will work round-the-clock to prevent child begging and ensure rescued children are taken to shelter homes.
Dr. Kaur stressed that the government’s action plan includes more than just rescue operations. It involves awareness drives, rehabilitation programs, and monitoring to create long-term change. She added, “Child begging is not just a legal issue but a moral responsibility for society.”
Rehabilitation: More Than Rescue
The government’s focus is on holistic rehabilitation. Each rescued child receives food, medical care, psychological counselling, and access to education. Authorities are also working with NGOs and community organizations to reintegrate children into mainstream society.
Officials highlighted that breaking the cycle of child begging requires consistent community involvement. The public has been asked to avoid giving alms directly to children and instead report such cases to the Child Helpline 1098. This ensures that children are connected to formal support systems instead of remaining trapped in exploitation.
Public Participation Encouraged
Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the success of Project JIWANJYOT 2.0 relies heavily on public participation. “Every citizen has a role in protecting children’s rights,” she said. Citizens are being urged to become vigilant reporters of child exploitation in public places, especially during festivals and fairs where vulnerable children are often pushed into begging.
The Minister further explained that child protection is a long-term mission that requires awareness at the grassroots level. Local bodies, schools, and civil society groups are being roped in to spread awareness about child rights and government schemes.
A Vision for a Begging-Free Punjab
With 311 children already rescued and rehabilitated, the Punjab Government is confident that the project will bring transformative results. Dr. Kaur reiterated that Project JIWANJYOT 2.0 is not just about enforcement but about creating a future where children thrive in safe, supportive environments.
The initiative highlights a growing recognition of child begging as a serious social issue that must be tackled with urgency, compassion, and collective responsibility.