Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Government’s flagship initiative ‘Project JIWANJYOT 2.0’ has successfully rescued 168 child beggars from the streets across the state in just one week. This was announced today by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur during a press conference held at Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh.
She said that the project, initially launched nine months ago, has now been relaunched in an upgraded and intensified format as ‘JIWANJYOT 2.0’, focusing not just on rescue operations but also on scientific identification, rehabilitation, and long-term integration of these children into the mainstream. The revamped project includes social investigation reports, DNA testing, psychological counselling, and strict legal follow-up.
125 Special Raids, 168 Rescued, 88 in Child Care Homes
The Minister informed that 125 coordinated rescue raids were carried out across major cities during which 168 children were rescued. Among them, 80 children were identified and reunited with their parents, after due verification and counselling to ensure they are not forced into begging again.
However, 88 children whose parents or guardians could not be traced have been placed in secure government-run child care institutions, where they are being provided with nutrition, education, emotional support and medical aid as per JJ Act norms.
Scientific Approach: DNA Tests, Reports and Interstate Coordination
Dr. Baljit Kaur added that 25 social investigation reports have already been prepared to understand the background, vulnerabilities and needs of rescued children. For 16 children, DNA identification is being undertaken – 13 samples have been collected and sent to authorized labs for parentage confirmation.
She highlighted that among the rescued children, 10 are from other states. Necessary coordination is underway to facilitate their safe repatriation in consultation with concerned state governments.
From Rescue to Rehabilitation: Beyond Shelter
“Project JIWANJYOT is not just about pulling children off the streets; it's about rebuilding their futures,” Dr. Kaur emphasized. Many of these children have now been admitted to schools and linked with welfare schemes. 30 children have been formally reunited with their families, and follow-up monitoring is ongoing. Meanwhile, 58 children remain under government care, with efforts ongoing to trace families or identify long-term guardians.
Action Against Parents, Traffickers & Organized Gangs
The Minister issued a stern warning to parents or guardians found forcing children into begging. Such individuals will be declared “unfit guardians” under the law, and legal action will be initiated. She also reiterated the government's firm stance against organized gangs or traffickers exploiting minors, promising strict police action under relevant IPC provisions.
New Homes for Adult Beggars Coming Up
To address the issue holistically, Dr. Kaur announced that the Punjab Government will soon establish ‘Aasra Centres’ for adult beggars in major cities including Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Mohali and Bathinda. These centres will provide shelter, counselling and skill training to ensure adult beggars are not forced to push children into street begging.
Appeal to Citizens: Call 1098
Dr. Baljit Kaur appealed to the public and media:
“If you see a child begging anywhere in Punjab, immediately call Child Helpline 1098. Timely reporting can change a child’s life.”
She concluded by saying that Project JIWANJYOT 2.0 aims to build a Punjab where every child belongs in a school, not on the street — and the Mann Government is committed to making this vision a reality.