North News
Chandigarh, November 22
Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur has called for intensified efforts to combat child begging through the Jeevanjot Project, an initiative led by the Department of Social Security, Women, and Child Development. The project aims to rescue and rehabilitate children forced into begging, guiding them towards a safer and more productive future.
Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Kaur outlined the key actions being taken under the campaign, which operates bi-weekly. Since its launch in July 2024, the initiative has successfully rescued 187 children across various districts. Of these, 18 children without shelter have been placed in government-run homes, where they receive education, nutrition, healthcare, and other vital services. Meanwhile, 169 children have been returned to their families through the Child Welfare Committee, with 15 others set to benefit from sponsorships.
Dr. Kaur also mentioned the ongoing efforts to enroll 80 children in schools and admit 3 children to Anganwadi centers as part of the rehabilitation process. Under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, the Punjab government has registered 7 state-run and 39 non-governmental children’s homes to provide shelter for abandoned, orphaned, and destitute children.
Dr. Kaur urged citizens to report any cases of child begging to the District Child Protection Units or the Child Welfare Committee. The public can also reach out through the Child Helpline at 1098.
