Bengaluru railways division observes International Day Against Child Labour with awareness programme

On the occasion of International Day Against Child Labour, an awareness programme on Child Protection and the Eradication of Child Labour was conducted at KSR Bengaluru Railway Station by the Directorate of Child Protection, Bengaluru, and the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) in collaboration with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Government Railway Police (GRP).

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Sneha C.V., Director, Directorate of Child Protection, Benglauru, and Ashutosh Kumar Singh, Divisional Railway Manager, Bengaluru, in the presence of senior officials from the Railways, RPF, GRP, and DCPU.

Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries said the theme for International Day Against Child Labour 2026 focused on strengthening collective action to ensure that every child enjoys the right to education, protection, and a safe childhood free from exploitation.

They emphasized that child labour deprived children of their childhood, education, health, dignity, and overall physical and mental development.

The speakers underscored the vital role of law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, local communities and NGOs in identifying, preventing, and eradicating child labour.

They stressed that awareness campaigns, rescue and rehabilitation measures, access to quality education, and strict enforcement of child protection laws were essential for achieving a child labour-free society.

A total of 893 children (700 boys and 193 girls) have been rescued by the RPF Bengaluru division from railway stations and trains across the Bengaluru division since 2024.

As part of the programme, representatives of the District Child Protection Unit  and Gramseva Trust staged a Nukkad Natak (street play) to create awareness about the ill-effects of child labour and the importance of child protection.

Passengers, porters, vendors, Travelling Ticket Examiners (TTEs), and railway employees were sensitized about child protection mechanisms and emergency helplines, including Child Helpline – 1098, Police Helpline – 112, and Railway Helpline – 139.

The programme witnessed active participation from passengers, railway officials, RPF personnel, GRP officials, DCPU representatives, and other stakeholders, reaffirming their collective commitment to protecting children, preventing child exploitation, and eradicating child labour from society.