704 children rescued and rehabilitated under Project JIWANJYOT
DNA testing initiated under JIWANJYOT 2.0 to curb child trafficking
Chandigarh, November 2:
Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, the Punjab Government has so far rescued 704 children from the clutches of child begging under its flagship initiatives Project JIWANJYOT and Project JIWANJYOT 2.0. These projects are aimed at ensuring the rehabilitation, protection, and dignified life of every child in the state. The initiative stands as a remarkable example of Punjab Government’s commitment towards strengthening child protection mechanisms.
Sharing more details, Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, said that Project JIWANJYOT, implemented across Punjab since July 2024, focuses on conducting monthly rescue drives during the second week of every month by district administrations. The rescued children are being rehabilitated through various welfare schemes depending upon their age, eligibility, and availability of documents.
Highlighting the government’s firm stance against exploitation, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that to prevent human trafficking and organized begging rackets, the State Government launched Project JIWANJYOT 2.0. Under this initiative, DNA tests are being conducted to verify the relationship between the rescued children and the adults accompanying them. If DNA results do not match, FIRs are registered and strict legal action is taken against the offenders.
Out of the 704 rescued children, 269 have been enrolled in schools, 15 admitted to Anganwadi centres, 43 benefited under the Sponsorship Scheme, and 15 covered under health schemes.
Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “Every child deserves a safe and dignified childhood. Through Project JIWANJYOT, the Punjab Government is not only rescuing children from exploitation but also ensuring that they are provided education, healthcare, and a future filled with hope.”
Reiterating the government’s commitment, she added that the Punjab Government is fully dedicated to protecting the right to education, health, and dignity of every child, ensuring a begging-free, safe, and respectful childhood for all children in the state.
Dr. Baljit Kaur appealed to the public that if anyone sees a child begging, they should immediately inform the Child Helpline at 1098 so that the child can be rescued and given a safe childhood.
Let us all join hands to make Punjab a child-begging-free state where every child enjoys a safe, secure, and dignified childhood.
