Synopsis
On February 5, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district rescued seven children from the clutches of child labour during a coordinated operation against such crimes, emphasizing the need for public vigilance and legal enforcement to protect vulnerable minors.Key Takeaways
- Seven children rescued from child labour.
- Operation conducted by multiple agencies.
- Public encouraged to report child abuse.
- Regular operations planned for child protection.
- Child labour remains a significant issue in J&K.
Jammu, Feb 5 (NationPress) Officials announced on Wednesday that they successfully rescued seven minors who had been subjected to child labour in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The children were freed during a targeted operation aimed at combating such unlawful practices.
This initiative was undertaken following directives from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and was a collaborative effort involving the Union Territory’s labour and social welfare departments.
The rescue team conducted thorough inspections at various local businesses, including shops, restaurants, dhabas, and street stalls, resulting in the rescue of the seven minors.
“The rescue team consisted of representatives from multiple agencies, including the Departments of Social Welfare, Labour, Health, Police, as well as members from the Child Helpline and the Child Welfare Committee of Reasi,” officials stated.
“The team is committed to taking stringent measures against individuals found breaching child protection laws. The general public is encouraged to report any cases of child abuse, trafficking, or exploitation to the District Child Protection Office (DCPO) in Reasi, or by calling the Child Helpline at 1098.
“After their medical examinations, the rescued minors were presented before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in Reasi for rehabilitation,” officials added.
“The DCPO confirmed that similar operations will be conducted regularly to maintain a consistent effort in safeguarding and rehabilitating children and adolescents in precarious situations,” officials remarked.
It is important to note that there have been reports of children being forced to undertake menial jobs, such as house help and waiters in roadside eateries and dhabas, in the past. The protection of children from such violations of their fundamental rights has primarily remained a legal provision in J&K.
It is a common sight in the cities of Srinagar and Jammu to witness children being compelled to beg by their avaricious parents at traffic intersections and checkposts.
Ironically, these children are often neglected by their parents, as children elicit more pity and sympathy than adult beggars.
