Efforts to Eradicate Child Labor in Wanaparthy District
Authorities in Wanaparthy district are taking significant steps to eliminate child labor. As part of these efforts, eight employers who were found hiring child laborers have been booked.
Operation Smile-XI Launched to Rescue Children
The Central and State governments have initiated “Operation Smile-XI” in Wanaparthy district. This program aims to identify and rescue children involved in child labor and reunite them with their families. According to Wanaparthy District SP Ravula Giridhar IPS, 71 children, including 69 boys and 2 girls, were rescued during this operation.
Programs to Address Child Labor and Missing Children
Operation Smile and Operation Muskan are conducted twice a year to address child labor and find missing or abandoned children. These initiatives target children working in grocery shops, mechanic shops, hotels, other businesses, and even those begging on the streets. Rescued children are either reunited with their families after counseling sessions or sent to state homes for care.
Collaboration Across Departments
Operation Smile-XI in Wanaparthy involved multiple departments, including the police, child welfare, labor, education, child protection, and health departments. Together, they worked to identify child laborers, rescue them, and enroll them in schools. A total of 71 children were freed, and cases were registered against eight employers for violating child labor laws.
Special Teams for Inspections
To ensure the success of this operation, special teams were formed in each division of Wanaparthy district. These teams consisted of one Sub-Inspector (SI) and four staff members, who conducted thorough inspections with the help of non-governmental organizations.
Acknowledgment of Efforts
SP Ravula Giridhar IPS praised the teamwork and dedication of officers and staff from various departments. Their collective efforts contributed to the success of Operation Smile-XI, which is a significant step toward eradicating child labor in the district.
This initiative highlights the importance of collective action in protecting the rights and future of children.
