MYSURU: The district administration has rescued 30 children accompanying migrant families during a six-day special drive launched to strengthen child protection during the Mysuru Dasara festivities. The initiative aims to safeguard vulnerable children from exploitation, abuse and neglect as thousands of visitors and migrant families arrive in the city for the celebrations.
The District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), working with various government departments and voluntary organisations, is coordinating the operation. The drive follows heightened concern over child safety after the rape and murder of a minor girl during Mysuru Dasara last year.
Special drive focuses on vulnerable children
Officials have stepped up vigilance to identify children who may be exposed to unsafe conditions or exploitation while accompanying their families to Mysuru. The special initiative is intended to ensure that children receive appropriate protection during the busy festival period.
Migrant families often travel to Mysuru during Dasara to earn a livelihood by selling low-cost goods to visitors. Children accompanying them may be particularly vulnerable, making coordinated monitoring by child protection officials and other departments important during large public gatherings.
According to The New Indian Express, the six-day operation resulted in the rescue of 30 children. The report did not provide a detailed breakdown of their ages, individual circumstances or the specific action taken in each case.
Families arrive from across Karnataka and other states
Hundreds of migrant families have arrived in Mysuru from several parts of Karnataka, including Haveri, Koppal, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Bidar and Vijayapura.
Families have also travelled from Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Many sell balloons, toys, ribbons and other inexpensive items during the festivities, when large crowds create opportunities to earn money.
The presence of families from different districts and states makes coordination among local officials and voluntary organisations an important part of the child protection effort. The drive seeks to identify children who may require intervention and help prevent exploitation or neglect during the celebrations.
Child safety remains a priority during Dasara
The district administration’s intensified vigilance comes in the aftermath of the serious crime involving a minor girl during the previous year’s Dasara. The incident has renewed attention on the safeguards required for children who accompany migrant families to major festivals.
The current operation forms part of the administration’s effort to make the festivities safer for children. Continued monitoring and coordination among relevant departments will be important to identify vulnerable children and ensure that their welfare is addressed.
The rescue of 30 children in six days highlights the scale of the ongoing child protection effort in Mysuru during Dasara. Further details about the children’s circumstances and the follow-up measures were not specified in the report.