Gujarat Police have rescued 84 child labourers and registered 16 criminal cases against 26 accused persons within the first 14 days of a statewide crackdown on child labour, the state government confirmed on 16 June. The drive, named Operation Childhood Freedom, is being conducted across industrial areas, commercial establishments, and production units suspected of employing minors across Gujarat.

Scale and Scope of the Operation

Launched under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, the campaign has set an ambitious target of inspecting more than 50,000 locations statewide and rescuing over 5,000 child labourers. Of the 84 children rescued so far, 67 have already been rehabilitated, according to police. Authorities have also conducted 160 awareness programmes across the state and are facilitating school enrolment for rescued children.

On the Ground: The Surat Textile Unit Case

One of the recent rescue operations was executed by Kamrej Police in Surat after specific intelligence pointed to child labour at a textile unit identified as Jay Ambe Textiles. Two children were recovered from the factory premises. Preliminary investigations revealed the children were allegedly paid approximately ₹200 a day and made to work from 8 am to 7 pm, with only a one-hour lunch break. Police alleged that coercive methods were used when the children refused to comply, and that they faced physical, mental, and economic exploitation. A criminal case has been registered against the accused employer.

Bihar and Rajasthan Links — Possible Trafficking Angle

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Ajay Chaudhary of the Crime Investigation Department's Women Cell said child labour cases were being detected in textile units, hotels, rice mills, and small-scale industries. He noted that many of the rescued children had reportedly been brought from Bihar and Rajasthan, and that investigators were examining possible child trafficking links in such cases. The investigation is not limited to prosecuting factory owners — contractors and supply-chain networks that facilitate the recruitment and movement of child labourers are also under scrutiny.

What the Police and Government Said

Director General of Police (DGP) G.S. Malik emphasised that the operation extends beyond enforcement. 'Our campaign is not limited to conducting raids. We are also ensuring the rehabilitation of rescued children and helping them start a new life,' he said. According to a preliminary police assessment, poverty, migration, and demand for cheap labour are among the principal drivers of child labour in the state.

What Comes Next

Authorities said they will continue coordinating with the Labour Department, Child Welfare Committees, educational institutions, and voluntary organisations. Awareness efforts targeting traders and factory owners about child labour laws are also ongoing. With inspections at 50,000-plus locations planned and a rescue target of over 5,000 children, the operation is expected to intensify in the weeks ahead.