In line with the vision of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate child beggary and ensure a safe and dignified future for every child, the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Punjab today organized a State-Level Workshop on “Project JEEVANJYOT – Rescue and Rehabilitation of Children Involved in Beggary” at MGSIPA, Sector 26, Chandigarh.
Punjab Cabinet Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, attended the workshop as the Chief Guest. The initiative has emerged as a significant intervention in safeguarding children's rights, with 1,163 children rescued and connected with education, protection and rehabilitation services since the launch of the project.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that Project JEEVANJYOT is not merely a government scheme but a social movement aimed at breaking the cycle of exploitation and helplessness faced by vulnerable children. She emphasized that no child is born to beg and that child beggary is often the outcome of socio-economic hardships.
Providing such children with opportunities, protection and a nurturing environment, she said, remains a key priority of the Punjab Government. Sharing the achievements of the project, the Minister informed that since July 2024, a total of 2,067 special rescue drives have been conducted across the State, leading to the rescue of 1,163 children.
She further stated that DNA testing was conducted in 15 cases to reunite children with their families. Among the rescued children, 409 have been enrolled in educational institutions, 54 have been extended benefits under sponsorship schemes, and 15 have been linked to essential healthcare services.
Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted that children engaged in begging are often exposed to serious risks, including exploitation, child labour, human trafficking, substance abuse and criminal activities. She reiterated the Government’s commitment to bringing such children into the mainstream and ensuring their holistic development through sustained interventions and support mechanisms.
On the occasion, the Minister also interacted with beneficiary children and their families, listening to their experiences and journeys of transformation. She further released the official documentary on Project JEEVANJYOT, showcasing the initiative’s impact and success stories.
Addressing the workshop, Director, Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Shena Aggarwal, said that the objective of Project JEEVANJYOT extends beyond rescue operations. It seeks to integrate vulnerable children into education, protection systems and opportunities for growth, enabling them to become active participants in society.
She noted that the continued support of various government departments, law enforcement agencies, media and civil society has strengthened the initiative and expanded its impact. The workshop witnessed participation from nominated officers from various districts, child protection functionaries, Child Welfare Committees, police officials, key stakeholders, rescued children and their family members.
During the technical sessions, Prof. Damanjit Sandhu, Head of the Department of Psychology, Punjabi University, Patiala, delivered an expert presentation on the psychological and emotional impact of begging on children and highlighted the importance of counselling and rehabilitation services. Former Haryana DGP Shri K.P. Singh shared insights on combating child trafficking and organized begging networks, emphasizing the need for stronger preventive mechanisms.
The Department also presented the journey of Project JEEVANJYOT, highlighting success stories, case studies and best practices. This was followed by an interactive discussion among officials and stakeholders on challenges faced during rescue and rehabilitation efforts and the need to further strengthen inter-departmental coordination for effective implementation.
The workshop underscored that the challenge of child beggary cannot be addressed by government efforts alone and requires the active participation of families, communities, civil society organizations and multiple departments. Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to protecting children's rights and securing their future, Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that every child deserves a place in a classroom, not on the streets, and an opportunity to dream, learn and thrive.