Latest news with #PunjabPreventionofBeggaryAct
Hindustan Times
19-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
41 children rescued in two days under Punjab's anti-begging campaign
Toughening its stance to eradicate child begging from the state, the Punjab government has rescued 41 children in just two days through raids at 18 locations across districts under its 'Project Jeevanjot-2'. In a first for any state in the country, if a child is found begging with an adult in Punjab, a DNA test will be conducted to establish whether the accompanying adults are the child's biological parents. (Shutterstock) Anyone exploiting children for begging in the state will face the full force of the law, announced social security, women and child development minister Baljit Kaur. 'The campaign integrates provisions from the Punjab Prevention of Beggary Act, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, guidelines of the Supreme Court and high court, and the standard operating procedures issued by the Punjab State Child Protection Commission,' she told reporters on Friday. An FIR has been registered in Bathinda where 20 children were rescued from villages suspected of being exploited for begging. In a first for any state in the country, Kaur said, if a child was found begging with an adult, a DNA test will be conducted to establish whether the accompanying adults were the child's biological parents. Until the results are made available, the child will remain in a child care institution under government protection. 'If DNA reports confirm that the adults are not the biological parents, stringent legal action will be initiated, including charges under anti-trafficking and child protection laws,' said Kaur. 'If they are not, then from where do they bring children and make them beg? With DNA testing, those who are involved in child trafficking will be caught,' she said. Repeat offenders to be declared 'unfit guardian' In another firm move, parents repeatedly found forcing children to beg will be declared 'unfit guardians'. Such children will then be placed in adoption pipelines, ensuring their future was protected, said the minister. Under this project, 18 rescue operations have already been conducted across districts within the last two days, leading to rescue of 41 children, she added. The anti-begging campaign was started in September 2024, with dedicated rescue teams formed at district-level committees to identify and rescue children found begging across the state. Kaur said in the last nine months, through 753 rescue operations (raids) across the state, 367 children were successfully rescued. 'Of these, 350 children were reunited with their families, while 17 children whose parents could not be identified were placed in child care homes. A total of 183 children were admitted to schools and 13 children under the age of six were enrolled in Anganwadi centres for early childhood care,' she said.
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.
The Hindu
17-07-2025
- The Hindu
Punjab Government orders DNA testing on child beggars with adults to verify relationship
'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 (July 17, 2025.) 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, Ms. Kaur had issued directions to all DCs to declare their respective districts as 'beggar-free' and ensure regular monitoring in this regard. High Court issues notice to Punjab and Haryana governments on petition challenging anti-begging laws 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.
News18
17-07-2025
- News18
Punjab Govt Orders DNA Testing On Child Beggars, Adults With Them To Verify Relationship
Last Updated: Punjab government directed Deputy Commissioners to conduct DNA tests on children found begging with adults to verify their relationship, under project Jeewanjyot-2. 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. 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. (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: July 16, 2025, 14:12 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
21-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
Punjab to amend Beggary Act to make stricter enforcement
Agency: PTI Chandigarh, Jun 21 (PTI) Punjab Women and Child Development Minister Baljit Kaur on Saturday said the government will make amendments to the Beggary Act to launch a stricter crackdown on racketeers. The amendments to the Punjab Prevention of Beggary Act, 1971, will carry heavy penalties against racketeers, guardians, or parents found forcing children to beg at traffic lights and other intersections, she said. Kaur said the state will form special teams to identify and act against those operating these rackets and rescue and rehabilitate children. The minister said that since July 2024, under the Jeevanjot project, 286 children have been rescued. She also said that this year, a pilot project 'Smile' will be launched in Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, SAS Nagar, and Bathinda. Under the initiative, child beggars will be identified, and their families will be tracked through DNA tests, she said. The minister said she has issued directions to all deputy commissioners to strive to make their districts beggar-free. PTI CHS VN VN
