In ongoing Project Jeevanjot-2, Administration rescues 18 Children in raids 

Ludhiana, July 20, 2025: A committee formed by Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain conducted raids at key locations in Ludhiana on Sunday rescuing 18 children found begging with adults. 

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. 

District Child Protection Officer Rashmi Saini, who led a joint operation with Ludhiana city police, Railway Protection Force, representatives from Childline and Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) , stated that adults found forcing unrelated children to beg will face strict legal consequences. DNA tests will be conducted, and during the 15-20 day period for results, rescued children will be safeguarded in government child care home, Doraha. 

Saini adddd that DNA tests would be carried out from Monday in Civil Hospital. She emphasized that if DNA reports confirm adults are not biological parents, stringent action will be taken under anti-trafficking and child protection laws. She highlighted that Punjab is pioneering this initiative, becoming the first state in India to implement such a drive to eliminate child trafficking and exploitation through begging.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Sandeep Singh from BBA, Manpreet Singh, Prabhjot Kaur, Manpreet Kaur, Varinder Singh, Kirandeep Kaur, Gagandeep Singh, Rajinder Singh from Childline, Manoj Kumar from RPF, Tarsem Singh and others 

It is pertinent to mention here that Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain had formed a committee led by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development) Rupinder Pal Singh. The committee included the District Child Protection Officer, District Education Officers (Secondary and Primary), the Civil Surgeon, and representatives from the Commissioner of Police and Municipal Corporation Ludhiana.

Last Friday, Punjab State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Vice Chairperson Gunjeet Ruchi Bawa announced the launch of Project JeevanJyot 2.0, a transformative initiative aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of children across Punjab and directed the formation of District-Level Taskforces in every district to drive the initiative’s objectives.
Each Taskforce will be chaired by the Deputy Commissioner and comprise key officials, including the Commissioner/Superintendent of Police, Civil Surgeon, District Education Officer, and District Labour Officer. Operating under the PSCPCR’s guidance, these Taskforces will receive comprehensive support and coordination to ensure effective implementation of the project.