CHANDIGARH: Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said , the Punjab Government has further intensified its efforts to make the state free from child begging. In this context, two children found begging in Faridkot were rescued.
Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that she personally noticed these children near the Faridkot railway crossing and immediately informed the District Child Protection Team. Acting swiftly, the team rescued both children and produced them before the District Child Welfare Committee. After verification of their details, the children have been temporarily shifted to a children’s home for care and protection.
Dr. Baljit Kaur lauded the efforts of all District Child Protection Units across the state, appreciating their prompt and dedicated response in implementing the government’s child protection policy and ensuring the success of Project JIWANJYOT. She said these teams are playing a vital role in protecting the rights of children and transforming lives at the grassroots level.
The Cabinet Minister added that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision is to ensure that no child is seen begging on the streets of Punjab. The government is committed to rehabilitating such children and connecting them with education through Project JIWANJYOT, which has already started yielding encouraging results.
Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that child begging is not only a social evil but also a violation of child rights. She issued a stern warning to parents and gangs involved in exploiting children for begging, stating that strict action will be taken against anyone found indulging in such activities.
In conclusion, Dr. Baljit Kaur appealed to the citizens of Punjab that whenever they see a child begging, they should avoid giving alms and instead inform the Child Helpline Number 1098 to help the government eradicate this social menace from the state.