PUNJAB LAUNCHES MISSION TO END CHILD BEGGARY WITH PROJECT 'JEEVANJYOT'

A heart-touching drive to restore dignity, rescue children and frame India's first law against beggary

- TARUNI GANDHI

In the streets of Punjab, the sight of children knocking at car windows, holding out frail hands at traffic signals, or waiting outside temples with empty bowls has long been a disturbing reminder of poverty and helplessness. Each child forced into beggary loses not just education but also innocence and dignity. To end this painful cycle, Punjab has taken a historic step with Project JeevanJyot, a drive launched by the Department of Social Welfare under Minister Dr Baljit Kaur. From July 2024 onwards, this mission has brought hundreds of children out of begging and given them back a chance to live with dignity. Punjab has also become the first state in the country to prepare a law to completely ban and eradicate beggary, especially child beggary, in a structured and humane manner.

PROJECT JEEVANJYOT 1: THE FIRST PHASE OF HOPE

The first phase of Project JeevanJyot, launched in July 2024, ran actively till June 2025. It marked a turning point in the state's fight against child beggary.

Raids conducted: 753

Children rescued: 367

Restored to parents: 350

Sent to Child Care Institutions (CCIs): 17

Belonging to other states: 150

Enrolled in schools: 183

Placed under sponsorship: 30

Sent to Anganwadi centres: 8

Behind every number is a human story. A six-year-old rescued from a busy traffic signal in Ludhiana was restored to his mother, who now sends him to school.

Another group of children rescued in Jalandhar belonged to Bihar and were trafficked into Punjab to beg at religious sites. Officials ensured their safe return and rehabilitation.

This phase proved that beggary was not only a law-and-order issue but also one of social justice.

Children were not treated as offenders but as victims who needed love, care and education.

PROJECT JEEVANJYOT 2.0: A STRONGER SECOND CHAPTER