Operation Muskaan-XI
Operation Muskaan-XI was conducted across Telangana from 1 to 31 July 2025. It focused on rescuing children from exploitative and hazardous conditions. The mission involved extensive coordination between police, government departments, and NGOs. It targeted vulnerable locations like railway stations, construction sites, and religious places. Thousands of children were rescued during a month-long drive.
Scope and Scale of Rescue
A total of 7,678 children were rescued. Among them, 7,149 were boys and 529 girls. More than half, 3,787 children, came from outside Telangana, covering 12 states. Additionally, 3,783 children were from Nepal. The operation covered urban and rural areas, focusing on high-risk zones such as brick kilns, mechanic shops, and bus stations.
Nature of Exploitation Identified
The majority, 6,718 children, were engaged in child labour. Other categories included 357 street children, 42 beggars, and two in bonded labour. Another 559 children were found in various hazardous or exploitative roles. These conditions severely impacted their health, education, and overall well-being.
Legal and Administrative Actions
The operation led to 1,713 First Information Reports (FIRs) being filed. A total of 1,718 individuals were arrested for violations. The Labour Department submitted 1,613 inspection reports. Penalties totalling ₹47.76 lakh were imposed under the Minimum Wages Act and the Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act. These actions aimed to deter employers from exploiting children.
Rehabilitation and Education Efforts
Out of all rescued children, 6,593 were reunited with their families. Another 1,049 were admitted to child care homes for protection and counselling. Significantly, 2,600 migrant children were enrolled in 29 urban bridge schools across Telangana. This step ensured educational opportunities and a path towards social reintegration.
Hyderabad’s Role in the Operation
In Hyderabad alone, 1,247 children were rescued. Of these, 1,173 were boys and 74 girls. The rescued included 673 local children and 560 from other states, plus 14 Nepali nationals. The city police registered 55 FIRs and booked 939 cases under the Minimum Wages Act. Fines worth ₹47,75,921 were imposed on offending employers. Coordination among 28 divisional teams and multiple agencies was key to success.
Inter-Agency Coordination
The success of Operation Muskaan-XI was due to strong collaboration. Police worked closely with the Women Development and Child Welfare Department, Labour and Health Departments, Child Welfare Committees, District Child Protection Units, and NGOs. Pre-operation meetings and video conferences helped streamline efforts and share information effectively.
| Related | |
|---|---|
