Authorities rescue 11 children from clutches of Child Labour in Srinagar

Srinagar, Nov 23: Labour Department along with the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), has successfully rescued 11 children from the clutches of child labour in the summer capital over the past three days.

The rescue drives started on November 20 and will continue till December 10.
Dr. Khair ul Nissa, Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, Srinagar told Greater Kashmir that they have undertaken drives, resulting in the rescue of 11 children.
"The Labour department has conducted drives in the last three days. These drives were conducted in Lal Chowk, Sonwar, Parimpora, Batamaloo and Pantha Chowk. Most of the children were involved in child labour. This drive will continue to combat child labour," she said.
The rescued children were found working in various shops across Srinagar.

Dr Nissa said that the committee is committed to ensure the safety and rights of these children.
"We have directed the shop owners to submit valid age proof for these rescued children. In accordance with the directives of the Supreme Court, an Aadhar Card is not considered a valid document. Instead, the date of birth of the child is accepted as proof of age, and we have requested the necessary documentation," she said.
It is worth mentioning that 600 street children have been identified and registered with the Directorate of Mission Vatsalya of the Social Welfare Department in Jammu and Kashmir.

These children are among the most vulnerable members of society, facing a range of challenges such as poverty, lack of education, and exposure to dangerous environment.

Over 2,155 rescued children have been sheltered in child care institutions in J&K under the Mission Vatsalya scheme in the last three years.
According to official data, 759 children were sheltered in the year 2020-21, 579 in 2021-22, and 817 in 2022-23.

Besides, 251 children have been rescued from street situations and rehabilitated in the UT. Out of 251, 246 were rescued in 2021-22 and 5 in 2022-23.