Punjab News Daily
Chandigarh, June 9

In line with the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate child beggary and ensure a safe and dignified future for every child, the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Punjab today organised a State-Level Workshop on “Project JEEVANJYOT Rescue and Rehabilitation of Children Involved in Beggary” at MGSIPA, Sector 26, Chandigarh.

Punjab Cabinet Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr Baljit Kaur, attended the workshop as the chief guest. The initiative has emerged as a significant intervention in safeguarding children’s rights, with 1,163 children rescued and connected with education, protection and rehabilitation services since the launch of the project.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Baljit Kaur said that Project JEEVANJYOT is not merely a government scheme but a social movement aimed at breaking the cycle of exploitation and helplessness faced by vulnerable children. She emphasized that no child is born to beg and that child beggary is often the outcome of socio-economic hardships. Providing such children with opportunities, protection and a nurturing environment, she said, remains a key priority of the Punjab government.

Sharing the achievements of the project, the Minister informed that since July 2024, a total of 2,067 special rescue drives have been conducted across the State, leading to the rescue of 1,163 children. She further stated that DNA testing was conducted in 15 cases to reunite children with their families. Among the rescued children, 409 have been enrolled in educational institutions, 54 have been extended benefits under sponsorship schemes, and 15 have been linked to essential healthcare services.