As part of a nationwide child protection campaign, ‘Operation Muskaan XI’ was launched in Telangana from July 1 to July 31, 2024, to rescue and rehabilitate missing and child labor victims. The operation is being implemented with the involvement of 706 police officers, including 121 special teams, to trace and rescue children across the state.
Key Focus Areas:
- Identifying children involved in labor, begging, rag picking, and at risk of trafficking.
- Special attention on children found in factories, railway stations, bus stands, and public places.
- Awareness programs conducted on child rights and laws in coordination with education, labor, women & child welfare departments.
Legal and Constitutional Provisions:
The operation is supported by various child protection laws and constitutional articles:
- Article 15(3): Special provisions for children.
- Article 21A: Right to free and compulsory education.
- Article 23 & 24: Prohibiting human trafficking, child labor.
- Article 39(e)(f): Protection of childhood against exploitation and providing opportunities for development.
Major Acts Supporting Operation:
- Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986 – Prohibits employment of children under 14 and regulates adolescent labor.
- Factories Act, 1948 – Prohibits child labor in factories.
- Mines Act, 1952 – Restricts employment of children in mines.
- Motor Transport Workers Act, 1951 – Prevents employment of children in transport services.
- Beedi and Cigar Workers Act, 1966 – Prohibits child labor in beedi/cigar production.
Operation Muskaan is a vital initiative to rescue vulnerable children, rehabilitate them through care homes, and ensure their rights to safety, education, and well-being are upheld.
