Punjab Introduces Tougher Penalties for Child Begging

The Punjab Vagrancy Amendment Bill 2026 has been introduced, imposing more stringent penalties for forcing children to beg and extending the law to encompass parents and guardians. The age threshold for children under the Punjab Vagrancy Act has been increased from 14 to 16 years old. Those who coerce children into begging can now be sentenced to three months to three years in prison, along with a fine ranging from Rs.

3,000 to Rs. 300,000. If an individual commits this offense more than once, they will be required to serve a minimum of six months in jail. It is also now illegal to hand over a child to another person with the intention of them begging. The Director General of Social Welfare Punjab has been designated as the Controller for the Prevention of Begging under the updated legislation.

A centralized database will be established to keep track of beggars, individuals apprehended, and those who have been rehabilitated. The Controller will have the authority to inspect and monitor welfare and rehabilitation centers, as well as request their records as necessary. The amended law also includes provisions for addressing organized begging syndicates, in collaboration with law enforcement and district administrations.

Furthermore, strategies will be devised for the rehabilitation of beggars, their reintegration into society, and the creation of employment opportunities.