The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) rescued more than 3,800 children engaged in child labour during a special pan-India rescue and rehabilitation campaign conducted from June 12 to August 31, 2026.
The statutory body under the Ministry of Women and Child Development coordinated with State Governments and Union Territory administrations, District Magistrates, Labour Departments, police authorities and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to identify, rescue and rehabilitate children involved in child labour and those vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation.
As part of the campaign, NCPCR directed authorities to undertake targeted rescue operations at identified child labour and trafficking hotspots and sought regular updates on rescues, FIRs, rehabilitation, restoration, educational mainstreaming and compensation.
The Commission also held meetings with district administrations to monitor implementation, resolve operational challenges and strengthen coordination among various departments and agencies. Awareness campaigns were simultaneously carried out through social media and other communication platforms to encourage reporting of child labour and underline the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration into education.
Through sustained monitoring and coordinated action with State authorities, the campaign resulted in the rescue of over 3,800 children, while more than 575 FIRs were registered during the campaign period.
(Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)
