NEW DELHI: Where once innocent children stood with begging bowls at traffic signals and market squares, today they walk forward with books, dreams, and dignity. This transformation has been made possible by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s visionary initiative, ‘Project Jeevanjyot,’ a historic step toward building a truly Rangla Punjab.
Phase One: Rescue and Reintegration
Launched in July 2024, the first phase of Project Jeevanjyot continued until June 2025. During this period:
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753 rescue operations were carried out.
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367 children were freed from begging.
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350 children were reunited with their families, while 17 were placed in child care institutions.
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183 children were enrolled in schools, 30 linked to sponsorship programs, and 8 sent to Anganwadis.
Officials emphasized that the effort went beyond temporary relief—focusing instead on permanent reintegration of rescued children into education and mainstream society.
Project Jeevanjyot 2.0: Scaling Up
Encouraged by the success, the government launched ‘Jeevanjyot 2.0’ in July 2025. By August 25, 2025:
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523 raids were conducted.
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279 children were rescued, with 137 reunited with families the same day.
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142 children were placed in child care institutions.
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For the first time, DNA samples of 15 children were collected to ensure accurate identification and trace families.
This shift shows the government’s commitment to adopting modern technology and robust policy frameworks for child safety.
Tackling Root Causes
The Mann government has also identified the root causes of child begging—poverty, drug abuse, and exploitation of trafficked children from other states. Families are being connected with employment schemes, nutrition programs, and education initiatives, creating a 360-degree model of rescue, rehabilitation, healthcare, and family self-reliance.
Community and Legal Push
Public cooperation has become a key driver of success, with citizens actively reporting incidents via Child Helpline 1098.
The government is also working on a new legal framework to crack down on those exploiting children for begging. The upcoming law will ensure strict penalties while guaranteeing every child’s right to education, healthcare, and dignity.
Special Measures During Festivals
Recognizing that child begging spikes during religious and cultural gatherings, special rescue teams have been deployed at major events like the annual Jor Mela in Kapurthala.
Social Security, Women, and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur noted: “Children’s childhood should be in schools, not on the streets. Project Jeevanjyot 2.0 is a big step toward the Punjab of our dreams.”
National Model of Change
So far, 311 children have already been rehabilitated with education, nutrition, counseling, and social support. The project is being hailed as a national model in tackling child begging—demonstrating that with the right policies, public support, and political will, society can achieve meaningful change.
