CUTTACK: Cuttack district task force on child labour on Monday rescued 15 minors engaged in hazardous jobs at garages and eateries following a raid conducted at several places under Madhupatna and Chauliaganj police limits.
The task force team led by District Labour Officer Banamali Mohapatra and Child Welfare Committee Chairman Bikash Mohapatra raided the establishments at Link Road, Madhupatna, Samrat Talkies square, OMP, Gandarpur and Sikharpur.
As many as 15 children were rescued, mainly from garages in Gandarpur and Sikharpur areas. The children are stated to be 13-14 years of age. They have been taken to the temporary shelter on Monday and will be produced before the CWC on Tuesday. CWC Chairman said, ossification tests would be held to determine their exact age and then action taken for their rehabilitation as well as penalisation of their employers. If found to be less than 14 years, cases under Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act and Juvenile Justice Act will be registered against them.
“Most of the children belong to Cuttack district. Steps would be taken for their proper rehabilitation. Those from outside would be sent to their native areas in coordination with the CWCs of their respective districts,” Mohapatra said.