STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: There has been a disturbing increase in child labour cases in Guwahati, which is also leading to a surge in child trafficking cases. This serious problem not only raises concerns for the authorities but also for the crimes that are related to abuse and exploitation. The child labour cases in Guwahati are predominantly in areas like Garchuk, Lal Ganesh, etc. These children mostly work in tea shops, as vendors, in hotels, etc.
According to officials of the Kamrup Childline Unit, "From April 2022 to March 2023, there have been 102 cases of child labour." They are mainly from economically backward families and seek employment as domestic help or get engaged in bonded labour. Also, several industries engage in child labour or get along with seasonal employment." As per the data shared by the Unit, the cases registered in child labour cases reported last year until March 2023 were: in the month of April, there were six cases registered; May had seven cases; June had 31 cases; July had nine cases; August had six cases; September had eight cases; October had six cases; November had eight cases; December had five cases; January had five cases; February had five cases; and March had six cases.
It further said, "From 2017 to 2022, there has been an increase in human trafficking cases, leading to more than 400 cases, of which more than 500 are female." In relation to that, more than 700 people are arrested for engaging in child trafficking." "The cases of child labour are escalating in distressing numbers, as are the trafficking cases. Also, the unit said, the cases reported in Guwahati are between the ages of 9 and 14 years old."
It said, "We do conduct child labour awareness programmes in every district. Mostly, parents sent their children to work as domestic help in the city or on the outskirts. We register cases and rescue those children, keeping the details of the complainant confidential. We have task forces in various areas, and all are working towards the need and help of these children".
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