Chandigarh- Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is taking continuous, firm and effective steps to eradicate the serious social evil of child begging from the state. Sharing this information, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that 31 children engaged in begging were rescued in district Mohali during the past three days by the regional social security teams, marking a major success of the Jeevanjyot campaign.
Providing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that a total of 68 begging children have been rescued from district Mohali since August 17, making Mohali the leading district in Punjab in terms of rescuing children involved in begging.
The Cabinet Minister stated that after verification of documents by the District Child Welfare Committee, three children have been handed over to their parents, while the remaining 28 children have been placed in child care institutions until verification is completed, where adequate arrangements for their shelter, food and safety have been ensured.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further informed that a total of 807 children involved in begging have been rescued across Punjab so far and linked with the rehabilitation process, reflecting the Mann Government’s child-friendly and sensitive governance approach.
She clarified that the Jeevanjyot campaign is not limited to rescue operations alone, but is a successful initiative aimed at taking children from the streets to schools and towards a secure future. After rescue, priority is being given to health check-ups, counselling, educational support and family rehabilitation to ensure that no child is forced back into begging.
Issuing a stern warning, the Cabinet Minister said that any individual or gang found involved in child begging or child trafficking will face the strictest possible action as per law.
Appealing to the people of Punjab, Dr. Baljit Kaur urged citizens to extend full cooperation to the government in eliminating child begging and advised that if any child is seen begging, people should refrain from giving alms and immediately inform Child Helpline Number 1098, so that every child is connected with education and can lead a dignified life.