In a significant move to combat the menace of child begging, the Ludhiana district administration has successfully rescued eleven minors from the streets in a targeted operation. The drive, conducted under the Punjab government's flagship Project Jeevanjot 2.0, aimed to protect children from exploitation and secure their fundamental rights.
Major Rescue Operation Across City Hotspots
The special checking team focused on areas historically known as begging hotspots. A thorough inspection was carried out at Durga Mata Mandir, BRS Nagar, Jamalpur, Sector 32, Field Ganj, Sheetla Mata Mandir, Bhaiwala Chowk, Bharat Nagar Chowk, Vishwakarma Chowk, Cheema Chowk, and Vardhman Chowk. It was during these checks that the eleven children were found engaged in begging and were immediately taken into protective custody following all due legal procedures.
Aim is Rehabilitation and a Dignified Future
District Programme Officer Gurmeet Singh emphasized that the primary goal of the campaign is to shield children from being forced into begging. "Our aim is to rescue children from this harmful practice and ensure a secure and dignified future for them," he stated. Following the rescue, the children received immediate counselling. Authorities have now initiated steps for their long-term care, protection, and rehabilitation, carefully considering each child's individual circumstances.
Sustained Efforts to Eradicate Child Begging
Project Jeevanjot 2.0 is a comprehensive initiative of the Punjab government designed to eliminate child begging and prevent all forms of child exploitation. Gurmeet Singh assured that such checking drives and public awareness campaigns will continue regularly. "With the support of the district administration and the public, Ludhiana will be made free from child begging," he added, expressing strong determination.
The administration has also made a fervent appeal to Ludhiana's residents to be vigilant and report any instances of child begging or exploitation. Citizens can contact:
- The national child helpline at 1098, or
- The district child protection unit at 96468-01323 and 93192-67958.
This collaborative effort between officials and the public is seen as crucial for creating a child-begging-free environment in the industrial city.
