The Hindu : State first in child labour rehabilitation

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jan 14, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Kurnool

State first in child labour rehabilitation

By Our Staff Reporter

KURNOOL, JAN. 13. The Project Director of National Child Labour Project, Mohammad Isaaq, says Andhra Pradesh stands first in the country in implementation of child labour rehabilitation package.

Addressing a seminar on child labour in seed cotton fields organised by Proagro Seed here today, Mr. Isaaq said an amount of Rs. 40 crores was spent on rehabilitation of child workers. He said 10 to 15 children were employed for each acre of seed cotton plot as per a survey. The problem was serious in Adoni, Yemmiganur, Gonegandla and Nandavaram areas.

The joint raids by various departments helped rescue 478 children and all of them were admitted to schools. Charges were framed against the employers. One girl, Bhuvaneswari, who was allegedly chained by a beedi manufacturer in the past was studying sixth class. A total of 1,000 child workers were accommodated in various institutions. Special residential schools were set up at Mantralayam, Gonegandla, Nandavaram and Pedakadubur.

The District Public Relations Officer, Murad Baig, said poverty was the main reason for child labour. He stressed the need for giving publicity to welfare programmes and schools meant for rehabilitation of child workers.

Durgaprasad, a farmer, felt farmers should be given an opportunity to stop employing children through awareness campaigns.

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