Punjab Labour Department Rescues 99 Child Labourers in Statewide Raids

The Punjab labour department announced on Wednesday the rescue of 99 child labourers following raids conducted across the state. These raids were part of the Child Labour Eradication Week campaign, launched by labour minister Anmol Gagan Maan, which will run from June 11-21. District-level teams, comprising officials from various departments, have targeted industrial units and workplaces in Ludhiana and Bathinda.

In Ludhiana, 95 child labourers were rescued from various industrial units, while in Bathinda, four child labourers were rescued from a hotel, an eatery, and a pagari (turban) shop. The minister directed officials to eradicate child labour in the state and conduct further raids to enforce strict action against violators.

On the occasion of World Day Against Child Labour 2024, child rights activists from Tamil Nadu, including TNCRW and CACL-TN, have urged newly elected MPs to take definitive steps to end child labour.