Archive · 29 Dec 2025
Punjab Rescues 807 Child Beggars, Uses DNA Tests
In 2025, the Punjab government in India did something special to help child beggars.
They rescued 807 children who were begging on the streets.
To make sure the adults with these children were really their parents, they started using DNA tests.
The government also made sure the children got health check-ups, counseling, and went to school.
They even stopped 64 child marriages.
The government warned that anyone who makes children beg or trafficks them will be punished.
They also asked people not to give money to child beggars but to call a special helpline instead.
This way, they hope to give every child a better and safer life.
Punjab rescued 807 child beggars in 2025 and initiated their rehabilitation under the Jeevanjyot campaign.
DNA tests are conducted to verify if the accompanying adult is the child's biological parent, with approval from the Deputy Commissioner.
The government conducts special enforcement drives across all districts during the second week of every month to curb child begging and trafficking.
64 child marriages were prevented this year with the support of 2,076 Child Marriage Prohibition Officers.
Over 150 rescued children belonged to other states and were safely repatriated to their families, while 180 children were admitted to schools and 180 were enrolled in Anganwadi centres.
- Who
- Punjab government and Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Baljit Kaur
- What
- Rescued 807 child beggars and implemented DNA tests to verify parentage
- When
- Throughout 2025, with the mission launched in September 2024
- Where
- Across all districts in Punjab, India
- Why
- To eradicate child begging, prevent child trafficking, and ensure the rehabilitation and education of rescued children
- Number of rescued children
- 807
- Campaign name
- Jeevanjyot
- Child marriages prevented
- 64
- Child Marriage Prohibition Officers
- 2,076
- Children repatriated to other states
- 150
- Children admitted to schools
- 180
- Children enrolled in Anganwadi centres
- 180
- Children found missing again
- 57