Trafficking rampant in Andhra Pradesh state
4 Sep 2014 6:19 AM GMT (Update:2019-03-31 07:21:00)
Gang from states like Bihar, Rajasthan and Odisha are involved in child trafficking
Picture for representational purpose
Visakhapatnam: Experts who have been working in the field of child rights believe that in Andhra Pradesh child trafficking for labour is a well organised crime. Member of State Commission for Protection of Child Rights S. Balaraju, says, “Literacy levels are also low in the rural areas of AP as compared to states like Kerala or Tamil Nadu.
This makes the parents more vulnerable towards sending their kids away for better opportunities along with strangers. There are a few gangs that operate in the state which come from states like Bihar, Rajasthan and Odisha who traffick the children.”
Giving the example of Vizag, Mr Balaraju says, “Two gangs have been identified to be operating from Simhachalam and Pendurthi who collect children from their families and drop them off at various locations like religious places and railway station for begging. This is nothing but child labour.” -
Suma Ravi, director of southern region of Child rights and You (CRY), also agrees that there is a criminal angle to child labour in AP and says, “Child labour is particularly high in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. Compared to other states, the process of child trafficking for labour is much more organised in Andhra Pradesh.”
( Source : dc correspondent )
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