A fresh ordinance took effect immediately upon approval, carrying penalties of up to three years in prison and fines reaching Rs300,000 for parents and guardians who make children beg in Punjab.
Media reports indicate that the governor of Punjab signed the Punjab Vagrancy (Amendment) Ordinance 2026, followed by the publication of an official gazette notification.
Legal protection now covers a broader population of minors because the statute raises the definition of a child's age from 14 to 16 years. Individuals caught forcing a minor into begging face legal action through this updated statute.
Modifications also alter how authorities enforce the rules. The Director General of Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal received the title of Controller of Vagrancy, giving this official responsibility for supervising anti-begging measures across the province.
Law enforcement officers stated that the legislation will restrict child exploitation and prevent people from employing minors as beggars.
