Drive against child labour launched in Baramulla,

Baramulla, Nov 16: Five children were rescued by the District Child Protection Unit Baramulla on Saturday as part of a special drive launched to prevent child labour and beggary across Baramulla district.

An official said that as part of a directive of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) they recently launched a special drive across the Baramulla district prioritising the rescue and rehabilitation of vulnerable children.

The official said that as part of the drive, the District Child Protection Unit, Labour Department, Child Helpline (1098) besides the Juvenile Police Unit intensified efforts to combat the child labour, begging and the plight of children in street situation.

The authorities carried out a campaign across Baramulla town, Pattan and Palhallan area of the Baramulla district which resulted in the rescue of at least five children.

Nazia Nabi, one of the CWC members while highlighting the adverse impact of the child labour on their education and development said, “Such an act of involving children in labour violates the law. Besides, it deprives the fundamental right to education, and better future of a child,” said Nabi.

While highlighting the campaign, she said that all the citizens should be aware that children below the age of 18, are prohibited from engaging in any form of labour including domestic help, and such violators will face legal action under child protection laws. The citizens have been urged to report incidents of child labour or begging to helpline 1098.