Mysuru: A total of 117 child and adolescent workers have been rescued in Mysuru district over the past three years, highlighting the continued challenge of child labour despite growing awareness about education and child rights. The figures were released by the Labour Department on the occasion of World Day Against Child Labour.
According to district labour officer Chethan Kumar, officials rescued 108 adolescents aged between 15 and 18 years and nine children below the age of 14 during the period. All rescued children were produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), with many subsequently reunited with their parents or enrolled in schools to continue their education.
Labour department intensifies inspections
The Labour Department has been conducting regular inspections across the district to identify and rescue children employed in violation of labour laws.
Officials stated that FIRs have been registered against employers in seven cases involving child labour violations. In addition, penalties amounting to Rs 3.89 lakh have been collected in 35 cases from those found violating provisions of child labour regulations.
Authorities said the enforcement measures are aimed at discouraging employers from engaging children and adolescents in work environments that violate legal provisions.
Thirty-seven workers rescued in 2025-26
During the financial year 2025-26, labour inspectors conducted 1,483 inspections across all taluks of Mysuru district.
These inspections led to the rescue of 37 workers, including four child labourers and 33 adolescent workers. The highest number of rescues was recorded in Mysuru city and taluk, where 18 workers were rescued.
Four workers each were rescued from Nanjangud and K.R. Nagar taluks, while Hunsur and H.D. Kote reported four rescues each. Two adolescent workers were rescued in Periyapatna and one in T. Narasipur.
Officials registered cases in 27 instances and recovered Rs 1.33 lakh in minimum wages in nine cases under the Minimum Wages Act. Additionally, penalties amounting to Rs 1.62 lakh were collected in 32 cases under the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986.
Of the rescued workers, 21 were produced before the Child Welfare Committee, three were admitted to schools and 13 were handed over to their parents.
Continued monitoring in 2026
Between April and May 2026, labour inspectors carried out 303 additional inspections across the district.
During these inspections, 13 adolescent workers were rescued. FIRs were registered in two cases, while a penalty of Rs 20,000 was collected from an employer found violating labour regulations.
Eight rescued adolescents were produced before the Child Welfare Committee, while five were reunited with their parents.
Officials said regular inspections and follow-up actions will continue to ensure compliance with child labour laws and protect vulnerable children from exploitation.
Poverty remains a major factor
District labour officer Chethan Kumar observed that public awareness regarding the importance of education has improved significantly compared to previous years.
He noted that most parents now recognise the value of education in helping children become literate, acquire skills and build a better future. However, poverty and family-related difficulties continue to be major factors contributing to child and adolescent labour.
According to officials, some adolescents voluntarily seek temporary employment during school holidays to earn money for personal needs or to support their families financially.
The department has also found adolescents working in non-hazardous sectors such as cloth stores and grocery shops, where many are not paid according to minimum wage provisions.
In some cases, employers in automobile garages justify employing adolescents by claiming they are providing vocational training and skill development opportunities.
Awareness campaigns continue
To address the issue, the Labour Department organised approximately 36 awareness programmes during 2025-26 through street plays, school events and public outreach campaigns.
The programmes focused on educating the public about the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, as amended in 2016.
The legislation prohibits the employment of children below 14 years in all occupations and restricts adolescents aged 15 to 18 years from working in hazardous occupations.
Officials emphasised that every child below the age of 14 has the right to free and compulsory education. The public has also been urged to report instances of child labour through the Childline helpline number 1098.
The Labour Department said continued vigilance, public cooperation and awareness initiatives remain crucial in eliminating child labour and ensuring that children receive education and opportunities for a better future.