Subhechcha Ganguly 
In a bid to combat child trafficking and exploitation, the Punjab government has instructed district administrations to conduct DNA tests on children found begging with adults on the streets. Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur announced that the initiative is aimed at verifying family ties and identifying child begging rackets operating in urban areas.
“If a child is found begging with an adult, a DNA test will be conducted to establish their relationship,” said Dr. Kaur on Wednesday. “Until the test results are available, the child will be placed in a childcare institution. If the adult is found to have no biological relation with the child, strict legal action will be taken.”
The minister confirmed that directions have already been sent to all deputy commissioners. She had first announced the plan a month ago, and just two days ago, a case was registered in Amritsar against a woman caught begging with children.
The government hopes this initiative will serve as a deterrent to child trafficking networks and ensure better protection for vulnerable children across the state.
