India rescues over 3,800 children from child labour

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has rescued more than 3,800 children from child labour practices across India. The rescue occurred during a special Pan-India Rescue and Rehabilitation Campaign conducted between June 12 and August 31, 2026.

As part of the operation, more than 575 official police reports (FIRs) were filed against parties found to be employing children. The campaign targeted children involved in labour as well as those at risk of human trafficking and exploitation. Under the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, the legal minimum working age in India is 14.

The initiative involved coordination between state governments, district authorities, labour departments, and police units. Beyond the initial rescues, the NCPCR focused on rehabilitation efforts, including compensation, restoration, and reintegrating children into the mainstream education system. The commission also utilized social media and commercial platforms to raise public awareness regarding reporting child labour and the importance of educational mainstreaming.