Thanks to social media post, Andhra HRD Minister Lokesh helps save eight-year-old boy from child labour

An eight-year-old boy has been rescued from child labour, thanks to the social media post that has come to the notice of Andhra Pradesh HRD Minister Nara Lokesh.

The Collectors of SPSR Nellore and Prakasam districts immediately swung into action and saved the child.

According to the sources, a boy was found grazing animals on the outskirts of Rachavaripalem village of Maddipadu mandal in Prakasam district. A couple from Hyderabad observed him, took his video, and circulated it on the social media.

The viral post finally reached Mr. Lokesh, who directed the officials to take action immediately.

“I am shocked and deeply disturbed to see reports of this eight-year-old boy being made to herd goats, allegedly without adequate food or care, and crying to be taken home,” Mr. Lokesh posted on X.

Upon knowing that his parents were living in Nellore district, he directed the Collector to “immediately reach out, verify the circumstances, ensure the child is safe, and provide him with all care, protection and support, by treating this with utmost urgency.”

Speaking to The Hindu, Nellore District Collector Himanshu Shukla said, “The boy’s family is from Kadapa district, but they shifted here in search of work. Due to extreme poverty, the boy’s parents left him at his uncle’s place and he has involved him in animal rearing.”

“The district officials have brought him here and he will be admitted in a tribal welfare hostel. After assessment of his basic knowledge, he will be admitted in Class-2 or Class-3. Even his mother will be supported financially by making her a part of women self-help group (SHG),” he said.

Prakasam district Joint Collector Kalpana Kumari said that the Maddipadu police had registered a case against the boy’s uncle for making him work at a tender age. District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) had already produced the case before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).

“We are taking strict action against child trafficking, child labour and bonded labour. In a special drive, we have freed nearly 88 people from bonded labour in the last 4-5 months. More such cases are coming out from neighbouring districts and other States as well,” she added.