211 Child Labourers Rescued in Andhra Pradesh

Quick Summary

• A month-long special drive (June 1-30, 2025) by the Labour Department in collaboration with 10 other entities rescued 211 child adn adolescent labourers in India.
• Task force committees headed by Commissioner of Labour M.V. Seshagiri Babu rescued:

– 21 children (below 14 years) working in non-hazardous units.
– 190 adolescent labourers (ages 14-18):
– Includes 1 boy engaged in hazardous work and others employed in non-hazardous units (132 male, 57 female).

• Raids targeted brick kilns,construction sites,hotels/restaurants,mechanic sheds/garages,factories/industries,supermarkets/shops.
• Rescued children were sent to schools via Child Welfare Committees (CWCs).
• Employers charged under the Minimum wages Act paid ₹1.98 lakh to the rescued labourers.
• Legal penalties for employing children include imprisonment up to two years and fines up to ₹50,000.

Published July 10, 2025.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The Labour Department’s initiative signals a decisive effort against child and adolescent labor exploitation across industries. The rescue of over two hundred minors spotlights persistent gaps in enforcement despite strict laws prohibiting such practices under India’s legal framework. Coordination between multiple departments-Police, Women Development and Child Welfare-underscores the importance of integrated actions for addressing systemic challenges like poverty-driven employment practices.

Although punitive measures and financial restitution have been implemented against offending employers during this drive, long-term solutions will likely depend on socioeconomic reforms paired with rigorous tracking mechanisms post-rescue. Ensuring rehabilitation through education programs could contribute significantly toward preventing re-entry into hazardous or exploitative labor sectors as identified during these raids.

This intervention affirms India’s obligation toward its youth but also raises questions about recurring violations openly reported from certain industries. Strengthening oversight capacity within vulnerable regions should remain a policy priority to curb such occurrences effectively.

Read more