Raid at Mangalore Port: Two child laborers rescued

Mangaluru: Following a tip-off from the public to the Child Helpline, an unexpected inspection was conducted at Mangalore Port (Dock) on Thursday, September 19, by members of the District Level Task Force Committee. During the operation, two minor laborers were found and subsequently presented to the Child Welfare Committee for rehabilitation.

The sudden raid involved officials from multiple departments, including the Labor Department, Agriculture Department, Education Department, Silk Department, Police Department, Backward Classes Welfare Department, District Child Protection Unit, and the Child Helpline, among others.

Child labor is a serious social evil, and employing children below 14 years of age in any establishment is strictly prohibited. For adolescent workers aged 15 to 18, employment in non-hazardous establishments is regulated, and engaging them in hazardous occupations is forbidden.

Violators of these laws face penalties of up to Rs 50,000 in fines and up to two years of imprisonment. Police have been instructed to file FIRs against the guilty employers, according to the official