In Punjab, the sight of children carrying bowls on street corners is slowly giving way to a new picture where young boys and girls walk to school with books in their hands and dreams in their eyes. This transformation has been driven by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s initiative Project Jeevanjyot, which the government calls a defining step toward building a “Rangla Punjab.”
Launched in July 2024, the project ran its first phase until June 2025. During this period, officials carried out 753 rescue raids and pulled 367 children out of the cycle of begging. Out of them, 350 were reunited with their families while 17 were shifted to child care homes. Efforts to secure long term change also followed as 183 children were admitted to schools, 30 were connected with sponsorship programs, and 8 toddlers were placed in Anganwadis. These numbers highlight that the state’s intervention went far beyond short term relief, aiming instead at permanent social reintegration.
Encouraged by these outcomes, the second phase called Project Jeevanjyot 2.0 began in July 2025. By August 25, only a month into the programme, 523 raids had already been conducted and 279 children rescued. In this round, 137 children were returned to their families immediately while 142 were placed under institutional care. Authorities also collected DNA samples from 15 children to ensure accurate identification, reflecting a stronger emphasis on using technology alongside policy for child safety.
What sets the project apart is its focus on addressing the roots of the issue. Poverty, drug addiction and the trafficking of children from other states have been identified as major drivers. Families are now being connected to government employment schemes, nutritional support and education opportunities. By linking rehabilitation with family upliftment, the programme is positioning itself as a full scale model that integrates rescue, healthcare, education, counseling and economic empowerment.
The government has also strengthened vigilance during major gatherings and festivals where child begging has historically been rampant. Special teams have been assigned to events such as the Jor Mela in Kapurthala to ensure that no child is forced onto the streets. “Children’s childhood should be in schools, not on the streets. Project Jeevanjyot 2.0 is a big step towards the Punjab of our dreams,” said Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur.
So far, 311 children have been rehabilitated and mainstreamed through education, nutritional care, counseling and social support. The wider community has also played a critical role by reporting cases of child begging through Child Helpline 1098.
Looking ahead, the Punjab government is preparing a stronger legal framework to tackle child begging, with provisions for strict penalties against exploiters while safeguarding every child’s right to education, healthcare and dignity. Officials say the model could serve as a blueprint for the entire country. More than just a welfare drive, Project Jeevanjyot has shown that with the right mix of strong political will, effective policy and public participation, deep social change is not only possible but already underway.
