In a firm stance against child labour, Shivamogga Deputy Commissioner Gurudatta Hegde stressed the need to remove children under 14 from both hazardous and non-hazardous jobs and place them in dedicated residential schools offering education, healthcare, and basic needs.

Chairing a recent meeting of the district’s executive and child labour surveillance committee, Hegde reiterated that employing minors below 18 years is a punishable offence. He urged officials to initiate widespread awareness drives on child rights and the legal consequences of child labour.

Over the past year, authorities in the district have carried out close to 2,000 inspections, resulting in hefty fines and legal actions under the Child Labour Act. Officials revealed that five migrant children working at construction sites were sent back to Chhattisgarh, while two local children were admitted into schools.

Hegde insisted on consistent monitoring of children repatriated to their home states and ensuring their continued schooling. He also highlighted the importance of tracing dropouts and providing them with foundational or vocational education.

Most rescued children were found in garages and eateries, and many came from the Muslim and Banjara communities. The DC advised engaging community elders for effective outreach.

Despite laws and support schemes, targets remain unmet, he noted, directing strict legal action against violators.

At a local Hakki-Pikki camp, 13 SC/ST children were found without Aadhaar or birth certificates. Hegde ordered an immediate survey and enrolment.

He also pushed for awareness of the e-Shram portal, offering free registration and insurance benefits to informal workers.