In a city renowned for its heritage and spiritual strength, a quieter story of courage and compassion is unfolding. District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) Taranjeet Singh has emerged as a powerful guardian for vulnerable children, ensuring that their rights are not only spoken about but fiercely defended. 
For months, whispers had filled the air and complaints had reached the Punjab Government – organised gangs were forcing helpless children into the dark world of begging. For many, these children were invisible, just faces in the crowd. But for Taranjeet Singh, every face told a story, every tear demanded an answer, and every child represented a dream worth protecting.

A Crackdown That Changed Everything
Under his leadership, Amritsar’s Child Protection Unit launched a decisive operation that exposed and dismantled a major network of child begging rackets. Dozens of children were freed from a cycle of exploitation and placed on a safer path. What might have been dismissed as “another social issue” was treated by Singh as a moral emergency.

“Every child deserves dignity, not despair. We cannot allow anyone to steal their childhood for profit,” said DCPO Taranjeet Singh after the operation.

Childline – A Lifeline of Trust
One of the cornerstones of Singh’s work has been the Childline Helpline, a channel through which cries for help reach the DCPO unit. Unlike many administrative mechanisms that drown in red tape, Singh has ensured that each complaint is treated as urgent, personal, and non-negotiable.

“When a child calls for help, we do not hear just a complaint – we hear the heartbeat of humanity itself,” he remarked.

Whether the issue is child abuse, denial of education, child labour, or forced marriages, the response is swift, sensitive, and resolute.

A Leader with Compassionate Rigour
Colleagues describe Taranjeet Singh as a rare blend of qualities – the empathy of a guardian and the discipline of a law enforcer. His style of leadership has changed the culture of child protection in Amritsar: children’s rights are not mere policy points, but promises that must be honoured in spirit and in action.

“It is not enough to save children from harm; we must also give them hope, dignity, and the chance to dream again,” Singh affirmed.

Beyond Amritsar – An Example for Punjab
The success of the Amritsar model is now resonating across Punjab. By dismantling begging rackets and ensuring justice for voiceless children, Singh has set a precedent for other districts. His work demonstrates that when administration is powered by empathy, even the most deep-rooted crimes can be uprooted.

A Legacy of Humanity
For Amritsar’s children, Taranjeet Singh is not just an officer – he is a protector, a guardian, and a voice they never had. His interventions have rewritten the destiny of countless little lives, giving them not only freedom from exploitation but also the courage to dream again.

Amritsar now stands proud, not only as Punjab’s spiritual heart but also as a city where children’s rights are defended fiercely and tenderly, thanks to the tireless efforts of a DCPO who chose to serve with his heart as much as his authority.

By Parshant Chohan :

September 19, 2025 | Friday | Amritsar