Latest news with #RashmiSaini
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Begging for answers: DNA seeks missing link in Ludhiana.
Ludhiana: In a major step to combat child trafficking and forced begging, the health department collected DNA samples from six rescued children at the civil hospital on Wednesday in the presence of the district child protection officer (DCPO) and police personnel as part of Project Jeevanjot 2.0. The move comes two days after the district administration faced a setback when hospital staff refused to take DNA samples, citing a lack of official guidelines. In response, deputy commissioner Sakshi Sawhney constituted a high-level committee comprising the DCPO, civil surgeon, and representatives from the police commissioner to oversee the testing process. DCPO Rashmi Saini said the six children were accompanied by adults who claimed to be their parents but had failed to produce any valid documents such as Aadhaar cards or birth certificates. Consent for the DNA testing was reportedly taken from the adults present. However, the process raised ethical questions within the health department, with one official noting the unusual nature of taking consent from individuals who may be implicated in trafficking if the DNA results prove otherwise. The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) chairman, Gurjit Singh Romana, confirmed that the testing had been carried out under the committee's direction. He said legal action would be initiated if biological links between the children and the adults could not be confirmed. Of the 18 children rescued from the streets of Ludhiana, only one child's biological relationship was verified through documentation, while 11 remain unclaimed, and efforts to establish their identities continue. Any adult found to be claiming parental ties falsely may face legal charges under a range of laws, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Juvenile Justice Act, Child Labour Act, and Bonded Labour Abolition Act. The photos and profiles of unidentified children will also be uploaded to the Track the Child Portal to help locate their real families. Each child will have an individual case file compiled by the DCPO, detailing everything from DNA test records and social investigation reports to any benefits provided and information about the accompanying adult. The administration said the children have been relocated to safe temporary shelters while verification is underway. MSID:: 122863372 413 |
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Time of India
18 kids found begging with adults rescued in one day
Ludhiana: Eighteen children found begging with adults were rescued by a committee formed by deputy commissioner Himanshu Jain during raids at key locations in the city Sunday. 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, an official statement by the district administration said. The operation was led by district child protection officer Rashmi Saini, along with Ludhiana city police, RPF, representatives from NGOs Childline, and Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA). Saini warned that adults found forcing children, not related to them, to beg will face strict legal consequences. Their DNA tests will be conducted, and during the 15-20 day waiting period for the results, the rescued children will be kept in govt-run childcare home, Doraha. The DNA tests will be carried out at the Civil Hospital from Monday, she added. She reiterated that if DNA reports confirm that the adults are not biological parents, stringent action will be taken against them under anti-trafficking and child protection laws. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Quote Undo She highlighted that Punjab is pioneering this initiative, becoming the first state in the country to implement such a drive to eliminate child trafficking and exploitation through begging. On Friday, the vice-chairperson of Punjab state commission for protection of child rights announced the launch of Project JeevanJyot 2.0, an initiative aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of children across Punjab. Gunjeet Ruchi Bawa directed the formation of a task force in every district as part of the initiative. "Each task force will be chaired by the DC and comprise key officials," a statement said.
