E-Paper
Special drive in Prayagraj: Anti-human trafficking team rescues 26 child labourers
The team members approach the restaurants, eateries and other commercial establishments to check for child labourers and urge their owners not to engage children
Under Bachpan Bachao Andolan, the anti-human trafficking unit of Prayagraj police along with the labour department, has launched a special drive in the district for rescue and rehabilitation of the child labourers.
During last few months, dozens of child labourers working at eateries or loitering at railway stations have been rescued as part of this initiative.
The team raises awareness against child labour and its negative impact on the society. The team members approach the restaurants, eateries and other commercial establishments to check for child labourers and urge their owners not to engage children.
Anti-human trafficking unit (AHTU) incharge Rambadan Yadav said the drive is being launched at regular intervals. Since January, 26 child labourers have been rescued.
The unit officials said the recent drive started on June 1 and since then 9 children have been rescued. As per the practice, the parents of these children were called and were asked to send them to school instead of engaging them in petty jobs. The labour department officials made them aware of the different government schemes for their help and rehabilitation. Most of the children working at eateries and hotel were locals and some from adjoining district of Kaushambi.
The team not only rescued children but also warned the employers against committing the offence again. The children who were found working at restaurants and eateries in different areas were between 14 to 18 years and belonged to weaker sections of the society. Their employers preferred them over adult workers due to less wages.
Yadav informed that children aged less than 14 years were also rescued earlier from railway station in a joint operation with Child Welfare Committee. Such children are admitted to child shelters.
