Karkala: A minor boy from Uttar Pradesh was rescued from a construction site in Ajekar village of Karkala taluk during a joint inspection conducted by officials following a public complaint alleging the employment of child labour. The operation was carried out under the directions of the Labour Department, and authorities have initiated further legal and rehabilitation procedures in the case.
Officials said the rescued child was subsequently produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for care, protection and rehabilitation in accordance with the provisions of child protection laws.
Joint inspection follows public complaint
The rescue operation was launched after authorities received information from members of the public alleging that a child was being engaged in construction-related work at a site in Ajekar village.
Acting on the complaint, officials from various departments conducted a joint inspection at the construction site. During the verification process, a minor boy from Uttar Pradesh was found at the location and was rescued immediately.
Authorities said the operation was undertaken to ensure strict enforcement of laws prohibiting child labour and to safeguard the rights and welfare of children.
Labour Department issues warning
Speaking after the operation, Karkala Circle Labour Inspector Naveen C.H. warned building owners, contractors and employers against engaging children in construction activities or any other form of labour.
He advised employers to thoroughly verify the identity documents and age-related records of workers brought from other states before offering employment.
Naveen stated that employers must ensure compliance with labour laws and exercise due diligence while recruiting workers, particularly in sectors where migrant labourers are commonly employed.
He also confirmed that appropriate legal action would be initiated against those found responsible for violating child labour laws in the present case.
Officials stress importance of children’s education
District Labour Officer (Udupi Sub-Division) Kamal Shah Altaf Ahmed emphasised that free and compulsory education is a fundamental right guaranteed to every child.
He said ensuring that children receive education and are protected from exploitation is a collective responsibility shared by society, employers and government agencies.
According to him, depriving children of educational opportunities by engaging them in labour adversely affects their future and violates the rights guaranteed under Indian law.
Child labour law and penalties
Officials highlighted the provisions of the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, which prohibits the employment of children below the age of 14 years in any occupation or process.
The Act also restricts the engagement of adolescents below 18 years in hazardous occupations and processes.
Authorities said violations of the law are treated as punishable and cognisable offences.
For a first offence, employers may face imprisonment ranging from six months to two years, a fine of Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000, or both.
In cases of repeated violations, offenders can face imprisonment ranging from one year to three years. Parents or guardians who knowingly encourage child labour may also attract penalties, while repeat violations can result in a fine of Rs 10,000.
Multi-department team conducts operation
The joint inspection was carried out by Karkala Circle Labour Inspector Naveen C.H., District Child Labour Project Society Project Director Amrutha, and Child Protection Unit Social Worker Nayana.
Officials said similar inspections would continue across the district to identify instances of child labour and ensure that children are protected from exploitation.
The Labour Department urged members of the public to report suspected cases of child labour so that timely action can be taken and affected children can be rehabilitated and brought back into the education system.