Belagavi : In a special operation conducted at the Renuka Yallamma Gudda on Tuesday, officials rescued 22 child labourers who were found working in shops selling flowers, fruits, camphor, pooja essentials, while some were reportedly engaged in begging.
Mahesh Bagoji, labour inspector for Savadatti Circle, said the children and their parents were counselled following the rescue operation. The authorities obtained written undertakings from the parents assuring that they would not engage their children in any form of labour in the future. The rescued children were subsequently sent back to their families.
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“If child labourers are found working during the next operation, strict legal action will be initiated against the shop owners and others responsible,” he said. Bagoji warned that the labour department would conduct another inspection drive at Yallamma Gudda next week. Rescue drive was carried out jointly by officials from the department of school education, child helpline, and district child labour project society. The operation was attended by Savadatti child development project officer Amrut Sanikoppa, Yallamma Temple deputy secretary Nagaratna Cholin, and officials including Sheetal Kadatti, Jyoti Kante, Renuka Asundi, Rajeshwari Kattimani, Kushal Muddapur, Raju Madar, and Chetali Halli. Download the TOI App.