In a swift operation, a 14-year-old minor boy engaged as a domestic help at the Munna Army Camp in Dirang, West Kameng district, was rescued by a joint team comprising the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), police, and labour department officials. The rescue followed credible information about the employment of a minor in violation of child labour laws.
The boy, a native of Assam, was found working at the residence of a civilian mess worker inside the army transit camp. He had reportedly been brought from his home state and employed for household chores and other work for several months.
Details of the Rescue Operation
- The raid was conducted after the District Administration received specific inputs about the presence of a minor worker.
- A team led by Dirang ADC Techi Nikia, along with Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) Tsering Chomu, DCPU staff, labour inspector, and police personnel reached the camp and recovered the child.
- The minor was immediately produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), West Kameng district, as mandated under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
The employer has been booked under relevant sections of the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, and further investigation is underway.
Statements from Officials
ADC Techi Nikia reiterated the administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards child labour and urged the public to immediately report any such instances.
“Employment of children below 14 years is a serious offence. We are committed to protecting the rights of children and will take strict action against violators,” the ADC said.
CDPO Tsering Chomu highlighted that the rescued minor will be provided rehabilitation, counselling, and necessary support through the District Child Protection Unit. Efforts are also being made to safely reunite him with his family in Assam at the earliest.
The case has been formally reported to the CWC for further directions, including possible compensation and penalties as per law.
Broader Context
Authorities have appealed to all defence establishments, contractors, and civilian employers in the district to strictly adhere to child labour laws. Similar vigilance drives are being intensified across West Kameng and other border districts where transient workers are common.
Child rights activists have welcomed the prompt action, terming it a strong message against the exploitation of minors, especially those trafficked or brought from neighbouring states under the guise of domestic help.
The rescue underscores ongoing challenges in remote and strategically sensitive areas of Arunachal Pradesh, where enforcement of labour laws inside defence installations sometimes faces jurisdictional hurdles.
(Source: India Today NE)
