DNA tests on child beggars: Punjab's new directive to verify biological relation, curb child exploitation

Punjab government has directed all deputy commissioners (DCs) to conduct DNA tests on children found begging with adults on the streets, officials said on Thursday.

The directive is aimed at protecting children from cases of extortion and forced begging by verifying family ties between adults who are accompanying the child.

According to the order, if a child is found begging alongside an adult, a DNA test will be conducted to determine their relationship. If the DNA test reveals no biological relation between the child and the accompanying adult, strict action will be taken against the adult involved.

The directive was issued by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Baljit Kaur under the state’s ongoing project Mission Jeevanjot to prevent children from engaging into begging.The officials aim to identify and rescue children being forced into begging and to take legal action against those exploiting them.

Until the test results are available, the child will be placed in a child care institution and kept under the supervision of the district child welfare committee.

Officials confirmed that the Directorate of Social Security (Women and Child Development) issued the instructions to all DCs, directing child welfare committees to identify such suspicious cases and forward them for DNA verification. These cases will then be referred to the respective DCs, who will initiate the required procedures, PTI reported.