Child Labour Day Crackdown: 20 Children Rescued Across Chhattisgarh, 9 Freed from Hazardous Raipur Factory
Raipur
Marking World Day Against Child Labour, the Chhattisgarh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights launched a statewide enforcement drive that led to the rescue of 20 children from various locations across the state, including nine minors found working in hazardous conditions at an industrial unit in Raipur’s Urla area.
The major operation was carried out under the leadership of Commission Chairperson Dr. Varnika Sharma at Maruti Nandan Structure Industries in the Urla Industrial Area. During a surprise inspection, officials found minor children allegedly engaged in dangerous work inside an iron fabrication factory. The nine rescued children were immediately taken into protective custody and produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) as per legal procedures.
According to officials, a total of 20 children were rescued during the special drive. Besides the nine children rescued from the factory in Raipur, seven children were rescued in Bilaspur through the Railway Protection Force (RPF), while four others were rescued by the Government Railway Police (GRP) in Raipur.
Preliminary inquiry revealed that the children rescued from the factory belonged to Odisha, Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh) and Asansol (West Bengal). The minors reportedly told authorities that they had been brought to Raipur by a contractor from Bihar. Officials have initiated an investigation into the role of the contractor and other persons involved in transporting the children, with a particular focus on possible child trafficking links.
The commission has also begun the process of contacting the children’s families and coordinating their rehabilitation.
Authorities said prima facie evidence indicated cruelty, exploitation and the illegal employment of children in hazardous work. Legal action is being initiated under Sections 75, 79 and 143 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. Investigators are also examining violations related to child labour laws and other provisions that may apply in cases of suspected trafficking.
Dr. Sharma said child labour constituted a serious violation of children’s rights, particularly when minors were employed in hazardous industries. “Every child has the right to a safe childhood, quality education and a life of dignity. The Commission is committed to taking firm action against child labour and child trafficking. Strict legal action will be ensured against those found responsible, while all efforts will be made for the protection and rehabilitation of rescued children,” she said.
The operation was conducted jointly by officials of the Child Rights Commission, District Child Protection Unit, Labour Department and other concerned agencies. District Child Protection Officer Sanjay Nirala, Vipin Thakur and members of the labour enforcement team were among those involved in the rescue operation.
Officials said all rescued children are being provided counselling, medical assistance, protective care and rehabilitation support as part of the post-rescue intervention process.
