Officials said on Thursday that the Punjab government has directed all deputy commissioners (DCS) to do DNA tests on children, begging adults on the roads.The instruction aims to protect children from forced recovery matters and begging by verifying family relations between adults with the child. According to the order, if a child is found begging with an adult, a DNA test will be done to determine their relationship. If there is no biological relationship between the child and the adult with the DNA test, strict action will be taken against the adult involved.This instruction was issued by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Baljeet Kaur under the ongoing Project Mission Jeevanjot of the state to beg to prevent children from begging.Till the test results are available, the child will be placed in a child care institution and under the supervision of the District Child Welfare Committee.Officials confirmed that the Social Security Directorate (Women and Child Development) issued instructions to all DCs, directing child welfare committees to identify such suspicious cases and forward them for DNA verification. PTI reported that these cases will then be sent to the concerned DC, which will start the necessary procedures.
