Andhra Pradesh state authorities announced the rescue of 186 children of both sexes on Sunday as part of the ongoing campaign against child labour.
"Of the 186 underaged, 41 were homeless children. A few ones were rescued from hazardous work conditions," said Program Director of the Child Rights Advocacy Foundation (CRAF) P. Francis Thambi. According to the news outlet, he also participated in the raids against child labour.
Most of the children were rescued from small enterprises — mechanic workshops, spinning mills, brick firing plants, water processing and packaging companies, and construction sites. A large number were involved in the service sector - hotels, restaurants, and shops.
The State Labour Department had constituted 50 teams, including the social protection unit.
After counseling, a few children were handed over to their parents, while the rest was sent to Child Care Institutions (CCIs).
Police also filed lawsuits against factory owners.