Despite regular inspections and rescue operations, there seems to be no letup in the cases of children being taken for labour through the trains.
As many as 18 children have been rescued in two joint operations conducted by the Zila Yuva Vikas Sangathan, Railway Protection Force, Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) and other concerned teams at the Ambala Cantonment Railway Station on Wednesday and Thursday.
As per the information, as many as 12 children were rescued from the Jan Nayak Express on Wednesday night, and six other children were rescued from the Karmabhoomi Express on Thursday. They were being taken to Punjab for labour.
During the preliminary inquiry, it was found that the children belonged to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Ajay Tiwari, programme coordinator of the Sangathan, informed that following credible information regarding some children being transported through trains for the purpose of engaging them in labour at various locations in Punjab, joint rescue operations were launched.
During the preliminary interaction, the children stated that they were being taken to various locations in Punjab for labour and other work. Three children were being taken to Ludhiana to work under a painting contractor, where they were expected to perform painting and other labour work for nearly Rs 5,000 per month. Two children were being taken to Ludhiana for work at a jacket manufacturing unit, while three children stated that they were being taken to work in an orchard. The remaining children were being taken to other locations for labour purposes.
After completing the DDR, all the children were produced before the Child Welfare Committee, Ambala. Later, the children were shifted to the Open Shelter Home, Ambala Cantonment, to ensure their proper care and protection.
Paramjit Singh Badola, President of Zila Yuva Vikas Sanghthan, stated that thousands of children across the country become victims of child trafficking and exploitation every year. The contractors lure the economically vulnerable families with promises of employment and better wages for their minor children, and take them from one state to another. Railway routes are also increasingly being used as a major means of child trafficking.
He further stated that timely information and effective coordination among the concerned departments can help protect children from potential child trafficking and child labour. Ensuring the safety and protection of children is a collective responsibility of the administration, social organisations, and the general public. The children are currently being counselled, and efforts are being made to trace and contact their families.