Patiala News: In a major crackdown on child begging, the Patiala District Administration rescued 19 children found begging at various locations across the district. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav said the campaign is part of the Punjab Government’s “Project Jeevanjyot 2.0” aimed at making the state begging-free, as per the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Dr. Preeti Yadav emphasized that strict action will be taken against those forcing children into begging. If needed, DNA tests will be conducted to determine the identity of adults accompanying the children and to curb possible child trafficking. “No one who exploits children for begging will be spared,” she warned.
Nodal officers have been appointed across the district, and raids will continue under their supervision. Key public areas such as Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib, Mata Kali Devi Mandir, Chowks and city intersections will be closely monitored.
She appealed to the public not to give alms to children and instead report such cases to Child Helpline 1098, so the administration can ensure their protection, rehabilitation, and future well-being.
A district-level task force comprising District Program Officer, CDPOs, and Child Protection Officers will present rescued children before the Child Welfare Committee. Medical and DNA tests will be facilitated by the Civil Surgeon’s Office. Children will be placed in Children’s Homes and SOS Village Rajpura, with further steps taken for their rehabilitation.
Officers deputed for this campaign include ADCs Isha Singal and Navreet Kaur Sekhon, all SDMs, DPO Pardeep Singh Gill, District Social Security Officer Jobandeep Kaur Cheema, Child Protection Officer Roopwnat Kaur, and Civil Surgeon Dr. Jagpal Inder Singh, among others.
