Bandipora, Oct 26: In a joint operation, the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Bandipora, Mission Vatsalya, and J&K Police on Wednesday conducted a drive against child labour in the Sumbal area of Bandipora district.
Under the supervision of CWC Bandipora’s Chairperson, Dr Asima Hassan, along with committee members Mr Hashim and Ms Shahnaz, the operation led to the rescue of ten children who were working as labourers in various shops.
“During the drive against child labour, raids were carried out at workshops, restaurants and other places and ten children who had been engaged as child labourers were rescued. During the drive, on-spot counselling was done to the children,” Dr Asima said, adding that during the drive, the owners of these workshops and restaurants were asked to produce themselves before the committee.
She said that CWC Bandipora has started a campaign against child labour in the district which will continue in the coming days and months.
The drive was executed on the directions of the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), Bandipora, Mission Vatsalya, Hidayatulla Mir.
“Child labour deprives children of their right to go to school and reinforces intergenerational cycles of poverty. It is a major barrier to education, affecting attendance and performance in school. Our main motive is to address this issue and rescue the children on time,” Dr Asima said.
She said children are forced to work in restaurants, shops and factories to support their families who are stricken by poverty and other tragedies of life. “We will ensure that no children in the district are engaged as child labour and those found engaging them will be dealt with strictly as per the law,” she asserted.
