Anti-beggary rescue, child labour drive held in Srinagar

Srinagar, Nov 17: The Department of Social Welfare, Child help line, Srinagar in collaboration with Labour Department conducted three days anti-beggary and child labour drive here.

An official statement said the drive was a joint initiative taken on the directions of Commissioner Secretary to Government, Social Welfare Department J&K, Sheetal Nanda and under the guidance of District Child Protection Officer Srinagar in order to rehabilitate the children involved in labour and beggary.

During the drive, 13 children, 6 boys and 7 girls were rescued from situations of child labour and begging.

The drive targeted various hotspot areas of Lal Chowk, Polo View, Karan Nagar, Chanapora, Hyderpora, Sanatnagar, and Baghat Chowk.

The children were found in activities like, street-based labour such as selling socks, gloves, artificial jewellery, working at tea stall, paid weighing scale and begging in busy market areas, highlighting their exposure to exploitation and unsafe conditions.

The rescued children were promptly presented before the Child Welfare Committee, Srinagar, for legal procedures.

Following the hearings, the children underwent a medical screening to ensure their health and well-being. They were subsequently placed at the Open Shelter Home for Boys at Nowgam, where they will receive care, education, and support.