Baramulla, July 20 (JKNS): Acting under the directions of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Baramulla, on Monday launched the Pan-India Rescue & Rehabilitation Campaign 4.0 to eradicate child and adolescent labour and identify children living in street situations. The multi-agency operation, carried out in collaboration with the District Child Protection Unit, Child Helpline, Labour Department, Juvenile Police Unit and District Police, resulted in the rescue of eight suspected minor labourers during inspections across multiple locations in the district.
Officials told news agency JKNS, the campaign covered Uri, Chandanwari, Boniyar and Sheeri, targeting vulnerable areas, including commercial establishments, small businesses, slum pockets and religious places, to identify children engaged in labour or living in street situations.
During the operation, eight suspected minors were identified, and their employers were directed to produce relevant documents to verify their age and employment status. Officials said the drive reflects the district administration’s commitment to protecting children from exploitation and ensuring their rehabilitation.
CWC Member Sameer Ahmad Sheikh said the committee is committed to ensuring that every child grows up in a safe and nurturing environment.
“We are committed to ensuring that every child in Baramulla grows up in a safe, nurturing environment. Our coordinated efforts aim not only at rescuing children but also at breaking the cycle of exploitation by holding offenders accountable,” he said.
He also issued a stern warning against employing children as domestic workers or labourers, stating that strict legal action would be initiated against violators.
Authorities informed employers about the legal consequences of engaging children below 18 years of age in labour, reiterating that violations would attract stringent action under relevant laws.
Officials said child labour and street begging are serious violations of children’s rights, and the campaign is aimed at rescuing affected children, spreading awareness and encouraging community participation to eliminate exploitation.
The Child Welfare Committee appealed to the public to report cases of child labour or child exploitation by calling the Child Helpline 1098. Business establishments have also been directed to prominently display the Child Helpline number to encourage reporting of such cases.
The campaign has also generated awareness among passenger transport operators, hotel owners, mechanics, bakery owners and other business establishments, many of whom have pledged to keep their workplaces free from child labour.
Officials said previous anti-child labour drives have already led to a noticeable decline in the employment of minors in several businesses across Baramulla, adding that the ongoing campaign aims to further strengthen child protection mechanisms and ensure a safer environment for children. (JKNS)
