ANINI : An adolescent labourer was rescued from the construction site of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) road project along National Highway-313 at Etalin in Dibang Valley district during a coordinated operation on Saturday.

The rescued boy, aged 15, is a native of Dajo village under Kumarshat Post Office in Tripura’s Unakoti district. Officials found him engaged in labour at the construction site, in violation of the provisions of the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, as amended.

During the operation, it was found that the minor had been employed by Anil Basumatary, who was working under a sub-contractor engaged in the execution of the road construction project.

Following the rescue, the child was produced before the Dibang Valley Child Welfare Committee for care, protection and rehabilitation under the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. Legal action has been initiated against the employer in accordance with the law.

Reiterating its commitment to eliminating child labour, the district administration appealed to contractors, employers and members of the public to strictly comply with child protection laws. It also urged citizens to report any instances of child labour or exploitation to the authorities to facilitate timely intervention and safeguard the rights and well-being of children. (DIPR)