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Hans India
18-07-2025
- Hans India
‘Verify relationship' Pb govt orders DNA testing on child beggars, adults
Chandigarh: In a move aimed at checking child trafficking and their exploitation for begging, the Punjab government directed all Deputy Commissioners (DC) to conduct DNA tests on children found begging with adults on the streets to verify their relationship, officials said on Thursday. Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Baljit Kaur issued the orders. If a child is found begging with an adult, a DNA test will be conducted to verify their family ties. Until the results are made available, the child will stay in a child care institution under the supervision of child welfare committees. Officials assured strict action if the DNA test confirms that the adult is not related to the child they are accompanying. The directions were issued to all DCs by the Directorate of Social Security (Women and Child Development) under the project Jeewanjyot-2. An official highlighted that the child welfare committees in districts will identify such cases where it appears that a child is being forced to beg alongside an adult, and their relationship seems suspicious. The cases will then be referred to the deputy commissioners, who will recommend conducting the test. Last month, Kaur had issued directions to all DCs to declare their respective districts as 'beggar-free' and ensure regular monitoring in this regard. She emphasised that the state government was firmly committed to the protection of children and was adopting a sensitive yet stringent approach to eliminate child begging. Additionally, she announced that amendments would be made to the Punjab Prevention of Beggary Act (1971), aimed at introducing stricter punishments and heavy penalties against racketeers, guardians, or parents found forcing children to beg at traffic lights and public intersections.
Indian Express
17-07-2025
- Indian Express
To check Trafficking, exploitation: Punjab orders DNA tests on child beggars, adults with them to determine parentage
The Punjab government Wednesday ordered to carry out DNA test on children involved in begging along with the adults accompanying them, to ascertain if they are their biological parents. 'If the DNA test confirms that the adult is not related to the child, then strict legal action will be taken, including potential imprisonment,' Cabinet Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said. She said the state government is implementing a policy to conduct DNA tests on children found begging on the streets, particularly those accompanied by adults, to combat child trafficking and exploitation. This initiative is part of a broader effort to create a 'beggar-free' Punjab and ensure the safety and security of children. The Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development said that the step is essential to safeguard innocent lives and ensure that no child is being used or trafficked under the guise of guardianship. Earlier in the say, the state government directed the deputy commissioners (DCs) across the state to conduct DNA tests of children found begging in streets. The orders have been issued by the Directorate of Social Security (women and child welfare) under Project Jeevanjyot-2. District level Child Welfare Committee under Section 27 (9) may as per need, pass orders for conducting DNA test to ascertain the parentage of children and their accompanying adults in suspicious cases to child trafficking. Approval of DNA testing will be given by DCs or ADCs. Samples will be collected by labs from the government hospitals of the district. The testing would be done by Forensic Science Laboratory free of cost. This would take around a week. The DNA results will be documented and shared with the police. The confidentiality of the results will be maintained. Until the DNA results are received, the child will be placed in a child care institution under the supervision of the District Child Welfare Committee. Those claiming to be the parents or guardians will not be allowed to take custody of the child until their claims are verified.
