Chandigarh, February 17 : The Punjab Government has distributed ₹7 crore under the Sponsorship Foster Care Scheme. This initiative benefits nearly 4,000 children in the state. Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur revealed this during a meeting with beneficiaries of the scheme at MIMIT College, Malout.

Financial Aid for Economically Disadvantaged Families

Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the department is continuously working to protect children’s rights and welfare. The Sponsorship Scheme provides financial assistance to economically disadvantaged families. This support helps them raise their children in a family environment and continue their education. Under this scheme, children receive ₹4,000 per month until they reach 18 years of age.

The Minister further explained that families with an annual income of up to ₹92,000 in urban areas are eligible for the scheme. Additionally, families with an income of up to ₹72,000 in rural areas qualify. Those interested in availing of this scheme can obtain information about eligibility and application procedures from their district’s Child Protection Unit or Child Welfare Committee.

Foster Care Scheme : Department has launched the “Project Jeevanjot” campaign

Highlighting efforts to curb child begging, Dr. Baljit Kaur mentioned that the Social Security, Women and Child Development Department has launched the “Project Jeevanjot” campaign to rescue and rehabilitate children engaged in begging. This initiative is conducted every second week of the month.

Since July 2024, authorities have rescued 268 children across different districts. They sent 19 children, who had no guardians, to state-run child homes where they receive education, food, and healthcare. The remaining children have reunited with their families through the Child Welfare Committee. Eighteen children are enrolled under the Sponsorship Scheme, and efforts are underway to admit 119 children to schools.

Government to Set Up Two Homes for Destitute Children in Gurdaspur

Dr. Baljit Kaur also announced that the Government will soon establish two new homes for destitute children. The homes will be in Gurdaspur and Malerkotla. These projects are set to begin in the next financial year. Additionally, the Government has established 16 adoption agencies to provide a family environment for orphaned children.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government, committed to making Punjab a prosperous state. She stated that under the Sponsorship Foster Care Scheme, the government assisted 4,000 children. These children were found begging on the streets. They were also working at hotels and dhabas. Others were unable to study due to financial constraints.

Dr. Baljit Kaur distributed ₹1.09 crore to 689 children

During the event, Dr. Baljit Kaur distributed ₹1.09 crore to 689 children. The District Child Protection Unit of Sri Muktsar Sahib implemented this under the Sponsorship Foster Care Scheme. She appealed to social service organizations and well-off individuals to support needy children whenever possible.

The Minister also urged parents not to force their children into begging or labor. He emphasized ensuring children attend school. This way, they can secure a better future for themselves.

The event was attended by Chairman S. Jagdev Singh Bam, Principal Jaskaran Singh Bhullar, District Project Officer Ratan Deep Kaur, Dr. Shivani Nagpal, Tehsildar Anju Bala, Block Presidents Simranjit Singh, Gagandeep Singh Aulakh and prominent community members.