CHANDIGARH: Efforts to protect children from begging are ongoing, aimed at ensuring their safety and preserving their childhood. Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, stated that the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to the welfare and safety of children.
The Minister revealed that during 2024, the department conducted 713 raids aimed at preventing child begging rescuing 261 children. Most children were rescued from districts Bathinda, Faridkot, Ludhiana and Gurdaspur.
Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted that under Section 76 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, any individual forcing a child into begging can face up to five years imprisonment and a fine of ₹1 lakh. If bodily harm is inflicted to compel the child into begging, the offender can be sentenced to 10 years imprisonment and fined ₹5 lakh.
She further stated that the Punjab Prevention of Beggary Act, 1971, considers individuals below 16 years as children. According to this Act, anyone involving children in begging can face a sentence of three years, which can not less than one year.
The state government has launched "Project Jeevanjot" to eradicate child begging, ensuring that no child is forced to beg. Under this initiative, inter-departmental efforts are made to rescue children from begging and provide them with education for a brighter future. As part of this effort, 15 children without a family support system have been sent to state-run child homes, where they receive education, food and healthcare. Other rescued children have been reunited with their families through the Child Welfare Committees. Additionally, 18 children have benefitted from the sponsorship scheme, 105 have been enrolled in schools and three have been admitted to Anganwadi centers.
The Minister assured that these children are monitored to prevent their re-involvement in begging. Financial assistance is provided under the sponsorship scheme to ensure continuity in their education. The Government has followed up on 74% of the rescued children.
Dr. Baljit Kaur appealed to the public not to give alms to child beggars and urged them to report such cases to the nearest Child Welfare Committee or District Child Protection Unit.