Hoshiarpur: Six children were rescued from begging during raids conducted by an anti-child begging task force at several locations in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district, bringing renewed attention to the need to protect children from exploitation and ensure their safety and education.
Children rescued during raids
The district-level anti-child begging task force conducted checking and raids in Hoshiarpur and Dasuya on September 5 and 8 as part of Project ‘Jeevanjot’.
The team inspected several locations, including temples, Bhangi Choa, Food Street and the vegetable market in Hoshiarpur, besides the main market and bus stand in Dasuya.
One child was rescued near Shani Temple, while five others were rescued from the vegetable market at Purhiran. All six children were produced before the Child Welfare Committee for further action.
Children placed under care and protection
Following counselling, the Child Welfare Committee ordered that the rescued children be admitted to a children’s home, keeping their safety and welfare in mind.
District Child Protection Officer Harpreet Kaur said authorities would continue checking drives against child begging. She also warned that action would be taken according to law against parents found forcing their children to beg.
The authorities have appealed to members of the public to report cases involving child begging or child labour through the child helpline 1098.
Punjab steps up campaign to protect children
The Hoshiarpur operation comes amid a wider Punjab campaign under Project ‘Jeevanjot’. State authorities said 82 raids at 195 identified hotspots had recently resulted in 39 children being rescued from begging across the state.
Officials said 27 children were reunited with their families after verification, while 12 remained in child care homes. Rehabilitation measures, including school admissions and access to Anganwadi services, have also been initiated for rescued children.
The continuing operations underline the importance of protecting vulnerable children from exploitation while ensuring access to education, care and a secure future.