Pampore: In a commendable joint effort by the Child Welfare Committee Mission Vatsalya, the Child Protection unit Mission Vatsalya, the Labour Department Pulwama, and the Police in Pampore’s Saffron Town, several children who were forced into labor were rescued.
The mission, executed under the watchful eyes of District Child Protection Officials, saw the collaborative work of Arshid Raheem, Chairperson of CWC Pulwama, and DCPO Irshad Ahmad Wani, along with Rehana Akhter from DCPU Mission Vatsalya, the Labor Department Pulwama officer, and a Special Juvenile Police officer from Police station Pampore.
This operation, prompted by the Supreme Court’s Suo-Moto Cognizance regarding children in street situations, is a significant step towards fulfilling the court’s directives to identify, rescue, and rehabilitate children trapped in exploitative labor situations. The mission specifically targeted children from families who work and live on the streets, ensuring their prompt rescue and protection.
Arshid Raheem, Chairperson of CWC Pulwama, emphasized the importance of this rescue mission, stating that their aim was to assist children known as “street children.” He highlighted the two categories of street children, with the rescued ones falling into the category of those from families forced to live and work on the streets. The mission’s goal is not only to rescue them but also to rehabilitate them, ensuring they have a future free from exploitative labor.
Raheem said these children should not be working on the streets; their rightful place is in schools where they can learn and grow. The committee’s mission is to secure their rights, rehabilitate them, and follow all necessary processes to ensure their future is protected. Prior efforts in Pulwama had successfully identified and restored several children, and ongoing efforts aim to institutionalize their support and care.
This joint operation serves as a testament to the commitment of various departments and officials towards ensuring a better future for these vulnerable children, marking a significant stride toward a society where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and dream without the burden of exploitative labor.
Authorities launch drive against child labour in Pampore
