Jalandhar: Action taken against child beggars, 2-year-old child rescued

Jalandhar: The Nawanshahr district administration has intensified its crackdown on child begging under Project Jeevan Jot 2.0. Led by District Program Officer Jagroop Singh, the district task force conducted checks on Bus Stand Road, Garhshankar Road, and Banga Road in the district. During the operation, a child aged approximately two years was rescued and presented before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for action to ensure his safety and well-being. The child’s mother was unable to produce any valid documents related to the child, prompting necessary rescue measures. Recently, two children aged approximately 4 to 7 years were found begging at the bus stand with their mother and were rescued by the Nawanshahr administration. Senior officials stated that continuous checks are being conducted across the district to curb child begging. Public awareness was also raised and people were urged not to employ children under the age of 18 to beg or work as laborers. People were urged to immediately report any incidents of child begging to the Child Helpline number 1098, so that rescued children could be admitted to schools.
Child Protection Officer Gaurav Sharma also raised awareness among shopkeepers and the public, emphasizing that forcing children under the age of 18 to beg is punishable by law. He emphasized the need for counseling for both children and their parents to prevent begging and promote education for a better future. Officials stated that strict action will be taken under the Juvenile Justice Act against those found involved in child begging. They appealed to the public to share any information related to child safety with the District Child Protection Unit, Room No. 416, 3rd Floor, DC Office, or through Child Helpline 1098. The checking team included Child Protection Officer Gaurav Sharma, Rehinder Kaur, Santosh, Harbhajan Kaur, Supervisor Kamlesh Kumari, Sukhwinder Singh from the Education Department, and Head Constable Neha Kumari and Mukesh from the Police Department.