Punjab government has introduced tougher punishments for forcing children to beg across the province. The changes have been introduced through the Punjab Vagrancy (Amendment) Bill 2026.
The amended law increases both imprisonment terms and financial penalties for offences involving Child Begging.
Parents and guardians can also face legal action if they force children under their care to beg.
Child Age Limit Increased to 16 Years
The amendment has increased the age limit for children covered under the Punjab Vagrancy Act.
Previously, the relevant age limit was 14 years. It has now been increased to 16 years.
Parents or guardians who force children to beg could face three months to three years in prison.
They may also receive fines ranging from Rs3,000 to Rs300,000. The increased penalties are aimed at discouraging the exploitation of children through begging.
Repeat offenders will face even stricter consequences.
Anyone repeatedly violating the law could receive a minimum prison sentence of six months.
Handing Children Over for Begging Becomes an Offence
The amended legislation also addresses cases involving third parties.
Giving a child to another person for begging has now been declared a punishable offence.
This provision could help authorities take action against people involved in organised Child Begging networks.
The legislation also introduces changes to how anti-begging measures will be managed across Punjab. The Director General of Social Welfare Punjab will serve as Controller for Anti-Vagrancy Measures.
The controller will oversee welfare and rehabilitation centres established for people involved in begging.
Authorities will also have powers to inspect these facilities and request relevant records.
Punjab to Establish Central Database
Another major provision involves the creation of a central database. The system will maintain records of beggars and individuals taken into custody.
It will also contain information about people who complete rehabilitation programmes. The database could help authorities maintain organised records and monitor rehabilitation efforts.
Authorities will coordinate with police and district administrations to target organised begging networks.
The amended law therefore focuses on both enforcement and rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation and Employment Also Prioritised
The Punjab government also plans to support the reintegration of people involved in begging.
Rehabilitation programmes are expected to help individuals return to society and find employment opportunities.
The measures aim to reduce dependence on begging while addressing organised exploitation.
The tougher Child Begging provisions particularly focus on adults who use children for financial gain.
Implementation will depend on coordination between social welfare officials, police and district administrations.
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The amended framework combines tougher punishments with rehabilitation measures to address begging across Punjab.
