The District Administration Reasi today launched a comprehensive drive to rescue and rehabilitate children and adolescents forced into child labour in Katra town.
The drive was conducted jointly by the Departments of Social Welfare and Labour on the directions issued by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights. The Rescue team carried out inspections across various business establishments in Katra, including shops, restaurants, dhabas, street stalls, and workshops.
Five minors were rescued during these inspections, highlighting the urgency and necessity of such drives.
The drive was conducted under the supervision of District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) Sachin Sharma and Assistant Labour Commissioner (ALC) Annie Vaid in collaboration with members of different agencies.
The Rescue team comprised members from multiple agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare, Labour, Health, Police, DLSA, and members of Child Helpline and Child Welfare Committee. Key contributors to the operation included Labour Officer Shivika Sharma, Child Helpline Coordinator Mohd Saleem, Supervisor CHL Ankush Sharma, and the team from the Child Helpdesk, Katra.
The team has mandated strict action against those found violating Child Protection laws and urged the public to report any instances of child abuse, trafficking, or exploitation to the District Child Protection Office, Reasi, by calling the Child Helpline at 1098.
The rescued children were produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Reasi for rehabilitation after their medical examination. The DCPO confirmed that similar operations would be carried out frequently to ensure a sustained effort in protecting and rehabilitating children and adolescents in street situations.