JAMMU: Continuing its efforts under Mission Vatsalya, the Social Welfare Department concluded its three-day anti-beggary and child labour drive in Jammu, rescuing 22 children from street situations.
The drive targeted various hotspot areas, including Narwal, Bhatindi and Wave Mall, under the directions of Commissioner Secretary to the Government, Social Welfare Department, Sheetal Nanda and the guidance of District Magistrate Jammu, Sachin Kumar Vaishya.
District Child Protection Officer, Mamta Rajput, spearheaded the campaign with active participation from the Police, Health, Labour and Education departments, along with officials from the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) and Child Helpline.
The rescued children were found engaged in activities like shoe polishing and balloon selling, highlighting the prevalence of child labour in the region. Following the rescue, they were produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and placed in shelter homes for rehabilitation, adhering to all standard operating procedures.
Mamta Rajput reiterated the departmentâs unwavering commitment to eradicating child begging and child labour. She emphasised that such interventions are crucial to protecting childrenâs rights and ensuring their access to education and other basic facilities.
The DCPU revealed that 108 children have been rescued this year, with 78 enrolled in schools and 63 issued Aadhaar cards. The department aims to continue such drives to address child exploitation comprehensively across Jammu district.
