30 child labourers rescued in Agra and Firozabad

Agra / Firozabad (Uttar Pradesh), July 16 (ANI): Around 30 child labourers were rescued by police and officials of state Child Labour Department from Agra and Firozabad cities in Uttar Pradesh.

According to Assistant Labour Commissioner, B K Rai, the raids were conducted at dozens of hotels, dhabas and several other hazardous work places under a month-long drive, which began on July 1.

"We have rescued nine child labourers from several work places in Khairagarh district. They will undergo medical test that will be conducted by chief medical officer. Also, they will be produced before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate -1 (CMM), who is in charge child welfare committee. After their medical examination they will be handed over to their guardians," said Rai.

Nineteen children, all in the age group of 6 to 12 years, were rescued from Agra rural areas, while 11 children were rescued from Firozabad.

"I used to work whole day there. I was given with 100 rupees. I used to come around 7 in the morning and leave around 8 in the night," said Jagdish, a rescued child.

Millions of children across the country work in hazardous conditions producing firecrackers, textile ancillaries, hand-rolled cigarettes and glass industries. (ANI)