In a significant crackdown on child labour, authorities in Amritsar successfully rescued six minors from exploitative working conditions on Wednesday. The operation was a key part of the ongoing Project Jeevanjot 2.0, a district-wide initiative spearheaded by Deputy Commissioner Ghanshyam Thori.
Coordinated Raids Lead to Successful Rescues
The rescue mission was not the work of a single department but a well-coordinated effort. Teams from the Labour Department, District Child Protection Unit, and the local police joined forces. They were also supported by members of the non-governmental organization Bachpan Bachao Andolan. Together, they conducted simultaneous raids across multiple locations in the city where child labour was suspected.
The children, whose ages were not specified in the initial report, were found engaged in work that deprives them of their childhood and education. Following their rescue, all six minors were promptly presented before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). The CWC is the legally mandated body responsible for ensuring the care, protection, and rehabilitation of children in need.
Project Jeevanjot 2.0: A Mission for Rehabilitation
This action falls under the broader umbrella of Project Jeevanjot 2.0. The project represents a renewed and intensified commitment by the Amritsar district administration to identify, rescue, and rehabilitate children forced into labour. Its core objective is to reignite the spark of childhood and education in these young lives, hence the name 'Jeevanjot' or 'light of life'.
Deputy Commissioner Ghanshyam Thori has been the driving force behind this initiative. He emphasized that the project is a continuous campaign, not a one-off event. The administration is committed to conducting regular inspections and surprise checks at shops, factories, hotels, and other establishments to deter the employment of children.
Legal Framework and Future Steps
The operation was conducted under the stringent provisions of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act. This law strictly prohibits the employment of children below the age of 14 in any occupation and regulates the working conditions for adolescents (14-18 years) in non-hazardous work.
After their rescue, the focus shifts to rehabilitation. The Child Welfare Committee will oversee the process, which typically includes:
- Providing immediate medical care and counselling.
- Ensuring the children are reunited with their families where possible and safe.
- Enrolling them in formal schooling or vocational training programs.
- Ensuring the families have access to government welfare schemes to prevent economic desperation from forcing the children back to work.
The district administration has also issued a stern warning to business owners and employers. Strict legal action, including the filing of First Information Reports (FIRs), will be taken against anyone found violating child labour laws. The message is clear: exploiting children for labour will not be tolerated in Amritsar.
This successful rescue marks another step forward in the city's fight against child exploitation. It highlights the effectiveness of inter-departmental collaboration and sustained vigilance. As Project Jeevanjot 2.0 continues, authorities hope to bring more children out of the shadows of labour and into the light of education and a secure childhood.
