Gujarat Police have rescued 84 child labourers and registered 16 criminal cases against 26 accused persons within the first 14 days of a statewide campaign aimed at eliminating child labour and protecting vulnerable children.

The initiative, titled “Operation Childhood Freedom”, has been launched under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi with the goal of ensuring that children remain in classrooms rather than workplaces.

Statewide drive targets child labour

Police said inspections are being conducted across industrial zones, commercial establishments, hotels, textile units and other workplaces suspected of employing minors.

Children found working in violation of child labour laws are being rescued, while employers and others involved are facing legal action.

Director General of Police G.S. Malik said the operation is focused not only on enforcement but also on the long-term rehabilitation of rescued children.

“Our campaign is not limited to conducting raids. We are also ensuring the rehabilitation of rescued children and helping them start a new life,” he said.

According to police, 67 of the 84 rescued children have already been rehabilitated and efforts are underway to enrol them in schools.

Textile unit raid exposes exploitation

One of the recent rescue operations was conducted in Surat’s Kamrej area, where police rescued two children from a textile unit identified as Jay Ambe Textiles.

Investigators found that the children were allegedly paid around ₹200 per day and made to work from 8 am to 7 pm with only a one-hour lunch break.

Police alleged that the children were subjected to physical, mental and economic exploitation, and a criminal case has been registered against the employer.

Focus on trafficking networks

Additional Director General of Police Ajay Chaudhary said rescued children have been found working in textile units, hotels, rice mills and small-scale industries.

Many children were reportedly brought from states such as Bihar and Rajasthan, prompting investigators to examine possible child trafficking links.

Authorities said the operation will also target contractors and recruitment networks involved in supplying child labour.

Police plan to inspect more than 50,000 locations across Gujarat and have set a target of rescuing over 5,000 children as part of the campaign.