In a recent operation in Ahmedabad, a 10-year-old boy was rescued from child labour just before World Child Labour Day. The Ahmedabad District Task Force raided a sweet-making factory in Naroda GIDC, where the boy, along with a teenager, was found working. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of child labour in the region.
The raid was conducted following a tip-off from a concerned citizen who alerted the District Child Protection Unit via helpline 1098. Officers from various departments, including the police and district child protection unit, were involved in the operation. When the team arrived, they discovered the young boy and a teenager engaged in hazardous work.
The factory owner provided unsatisfactory answers regarding the boy’s age. Verification revealed that he was born on December 24, 2014, confirming he is under 14. The teenager was identified as 16 years old. Following this, the task force, led by Assistant Labour Commissioner Jigar Patel, took immediate action. The factory owner now faces legal consequences under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act of 1986.
After the rescue, the boy was placed in the Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre in Sarsanpur, where he will receive proper care and counselling. The aim is to help him return to education and ensure a brighter future. The incident is a reminder of the importance of raising awareness against child labour.
Over the past two years, the Ahmedabad District Administration has rescued 51 adolescents and 26 children from various workplaces, filing 39 criminal cases against perpetrators. The government is taking a strong stance against those who exploit children for labour, highlighting that everyone has a role in this fight. If you see a child working, do not ignore it. Call child helpline 1098 to report and help save a childhood.
The story of this young boy serves as a call to action for everyone to stand up against child labour. Together, we can ensure that no child loses their childhood to exploitation.
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