District administration Reasi initiates drive to rescue and rehabilitate children, adolescents engaged in labour

REASI, JUNE 13: The District Administration Reasi today launched a comprehensive drive to rescue and rehabilitate children and adolescents engaged in child labour in Katra town.

The drive was conducted jointly by the Departments of Labour and Social Welfare on the directions issued by National Commission for Protection of Child Rights. The drive was conducted under the supervision of District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) Reasi, Sachin Sharma and led by Assistant Labour Commissioner (ALC) Reasi, Renu Bala Saini in collaboration with members of different agencies.

The Rescue team carried out surprise inspections across various business establishments in Katra including shops, restaurants, dhabas, street stalls and workshops. Several minors were rescued during these inspections highlighting the urgency and necessity of this drive.

The Rescue team comprised members from multiple agencies, including the Department of Labour Reasi, District Child Protection Office Reasi, Child Welfare Committee Reasi, Child Helpline Reasi, Departments of Health, and Police.

The team has mandated strict action against those found violating child protection laws. The team urged the public to report any instances of child abuse, trafficking or exploitation to the District Child Protection Office or by calling Child Helpline at 1098.

The rescued children were produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Reasi for rehabilitation. The ALC emphasized that such drives will continue until the district is free from child labour and related issues. The DCPO confirmed that similar operations will be carried out in the future to ensure a sustained effort in protecting and rehabilitating vulnerable children.