NAWANSHAHR : The State Government's campaign to eradicate child begging and labour got a boost in Nawanshahar today. As many as three minors were rescued from the child begging, during a special checking on Thursday evening.
Divulging details, DC Navjot Pal Singh Randhawa said that a team led by the District Child Protection Unit and line departments was sent to check the city areas surprisingly in the afternoon.
During the special checking drive launched at Bus Stand, Ambedkar Chowk, Kothi Road Bazar, Committee Ghar Chowk, Banga Road, Fatti Basta Chowk in Nawanshahr, the team found three children indulged in begging. They were immediately rescued and presented before the Child Welfare Committee, SBS Nagar for further course of action, said DC Randhawa by adding that by the evening, parents of two children were traced while the efforts to trace the third one are underway.
Issuing warning to the residents against child begging and labour, Mr Randhawa said that as per the Juvenile Justice Act 2015, it is an illegal offense to force a child to beg or to put them on work. According to Act, a fine of up to 1 lakh rupees and imprisonment of up to 5 years can be imposed on the guilty persons. He made an appeal to the residents of the district to inform at child helpline no. 1098 apart from making a Complaint at Room No. 313, District Administrative Complex, Chandigarh Road Nawanshahr. He asked the shopkeepers of the district not to let any child below the age of 18 work in their shops on any work.
The checking team included District child protection officer Kanchan Arora, Dr. Hartesh Pahwa, BPEO Aur Gurpal Singh, ASI Manjit Singh, Mrs. Gurbaksh Kaur and Mrs. Manjit Kaur, Police Constables, Mrs. Amarjit Kaur and Mrs. Balvir Kaur, Supervisor, CDPO office Nawanshahr and Miss Rohita (Outreach Worker), District Child Protection Unit, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar.