Ludhiana: Eighteen children found begging with adults were rescued by a committee formed by deputy commissioner Himanshu Jain during raids at key locations in the city Sunday. The initiative, part of Project Jeevanjot-2, aims to verify familial relationships through DNA testing to curb child trafficking and exploitation for begging. The raids targeted high-traffic areas, including the railway station, bus stand, and Chaura Bazar, an official statement by the district administration said. The operation was led by district child protection officer Rashmi Saini, along with Ludhiana city police, RPF, representatives from NGOs Childline, and Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA). Saini warned that adults found forcing children, not related to them, to beg will face strict legal consequences. Their DNA tests will be conducted, and during the 15-20 day waiting period for the results, the rescued children will be kept in govt-run childcare home, Doraha. The DNA tests will be carried out at the Civil Hospital from Monday, she added.She reiterated that if DNA reports confirm that the adults are not biological parents, stringent action will be taken against them under anti-trafficking and child protection laws. She highlighted that Punjab is pioneering this initiative, becoming the first state in the country to implement such a drive to eliminate child trafficking and exploitation through begging.On Friday, the vice-chairperson of Punjab state commission for protection of child rights announced the launch of Project JeevanJyot 2.0, an initiative aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of children across Punjab. Gunjeet Ruchi Bawa directed the formation of a task force in every district as part of the initiative. “Each task force will be chaired by the DC and comprise key officials,” a statement said.
