Rescue Operation Uncovers Child Labour in Hajo

In a significant enforcement operation in Hajo, four child labourers were rescued, prompting legal action against their employers. The initiative, part of a month-long campaign, highlights the socio-economic challenges that lead to child labour. Officials stress the importance of public awareness and stronger social protections to combat this issue effectively. The rescued children, including a 13-year-old, will receive support from the Child Welfare Committee as efforts continue to address the root causes of child labour in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 26, 2026, 18:08 IST

Child Labour Rescue Efforts in Hajo

The rescued children

Hajo, June 26: A special enforcement initiative by the Kamrup district child labour task force led to the rescue of four minors in Hajo and Kalitakuchi on Friday. Two employers are facing legal action for employing these children in hazardous conditions.

This operation was a collaborative effort involving the District Child Labour Task Force, the Assam Centre for Rural Development (ACRD), and local police, as part of a month-long campaign aimed at combating child labour in the district.

During the enforcement drive, officials discovered four children working in commercial settings, including a motor garage and a welding shop in Kalitakuchi. Among the rescued minors, one is just 13 years old, while the others are older adolescents.

Following their rescue, FIRs were filed at Hajo Police Station against the owners of the motor garage and welding shop for violating child labour laws.

Munmun Sadhonidhar Neog, the District Child Labour Prevention Officer, highlighted that the operation revealed not only illegal employment practices but also the socio-economic challenges that compel children to work.

"During our inspections in Hajo and Kalitakuchi, we rescued four children. A particularly troubling case involved a single mother who relied on her son's earnings due to her inability to provide for the family. This underscores the urgent need for increased awareness about government welfare programs for at-risk families," she stated.

Neog mentioned that the rescued children would be presented to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), which will manage their rehabilitation and ensure they receive the necessary support and protection.

"The Kamrup Child Welfare Committee is overseeing the rehabilitation process, while we have initiated legal proceedings against the employers. We have observed a troubling trend of increasing child labour in certain areas of Hajo. During our recent operation, some children fled upon seeing officials, indicating a need for heightened awareness and stricter enforcement," she added.

Another official involved in the rescue noted that the children had been engaged in physically demanding jobs that are illegal for minors.

"We rescued four children, including a 13-year-old, from a motor garage and a welding shop. Legal actions are underway against the owners of both businesses. Our efforts to combat child labour are ongoing, and we will continue to work with relevant authorities to enhance enforcement and prevent such violations," the official stated.

The operation was spearheaded by District Child Labour Prevention Officer Munmun Sadhonidhar Neog, Labour Officer Darpan Goswami, ACRD Coordinator Mostafa Ali, along with officials from the Labour Department, police, and members of the district child labour task force.

Officials emphasized that while stringent legal measures against employers are crucial, eradicating child labour also necessitates ongoing public awareness, improved social protection, and better access to education and government welfare initiatives for economically disadvantaged families.