-Public Encouraged to Report Child Safety Concerns
Chandigarh, July 24 (Desk)
The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, continues to prioritize child safety and welfare. Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development, announced today that the department has successfully rehabilitated 77 child beggars through the Child Begging Free Campaign.
Providing further insights, Dr. Baljit Kaur detailed the ongoing state-wide campaign focused on rescuing and rehabilitating children engaged in begging. This initiative, occurring every second week of the month, has so far rescued 77 children from various districts. Of these, 20 children, lacking shelter, have been placed in state-run Bal Ghars where they receive education, food, and healthcare. The remaining children have been reunited with their families via the Child Welfare Committee. Additionally, eight children have benefitted from the sponsorship scheme, 13 are being processed for school admission, and one has been enrolled in an Anganwadi.
Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized the state’s commitment to child welfare under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015. The state has registered seven government children’s homes and 39 non-government homes to provide care for orphans, destitute, and surrendered children.
She urged the public to report any child safety concerns to their District Child Protection Unit or the Child Welfare Committee. The Cabinet Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to protecting vulnerable children through the Mission Vatsalya scheme, ensuring no child in Punjab faces hardship. More information on these schemes can be found on the department’s website at sswcd@punjab.gov.in.
The Social Security, Women and Child Development Department is making comprehensive efforts to safeguard the welfare of children. The Mission Vatsalya Scheme aims to provide care, protection, development, treatment, and rehabilitation for children within the community.
