Telangana’s Operation Muskaan XI Saves 7,678 Children from Exploitation

Major child rescue campaign across Telangana

Telangana’s Operation Muskaan XI Saves 7,678 Children from Exploitation: From July 1 to July 31, 2025, Operation Muskaan-XI was carried out throughout Telangana to trace and rescue children found in unsafe or abusive environments. This extensive drive was implemented in both urban and rural regions, targeting high-risk areas such as construction sites, bus terminals, temples, and mechanic shops.

Over seven thousand minors rescued

A total of 7,678 children were rescued under the campaign, including 7,149 boys and 529 girls. A significant number — 3,787 children — originated from 12 other Indian states, and 3,783 were from Nepal, revealing patterns of interstate and cross-border child movement into Telangana.

Forms of exploitation discovered

Among those rescued, 6,718 were involved in child labour, marking it the most prevalent issue. Authorities also found 357 street children, 42 begging cases, and 2 children in bonded labour. Additionally, 559 minors were identified in various other harmful or abusive situations.

Static GK Tip: Under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, engaging children below 14 in hazardous jobs is strictly prohibited.

Legal action and penalties imposed

Following the operation, authorities registered 1,713 First Information Reports (FIRs) and apprehended 1,718 individuals. The Labour Department submitted 1,613 inspection reports, and fines totalling ₹47.76 lakh were levied on violators, especially under the Minimum Wages Act and the Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act.

Focus on rehabilitation and education

Of the total rescued, 6,593 children were successfully reunited with their families. Another 1,049 minors were shifted to child care institutions for counselling and protection. To ensure educational continuity, 2,600 migrant children were enrolled in 29 urban bridge schools across the state.

Static GK Fact: Bridge schools are designed as transitional programs to help out-of-school children catch up academically and enter the formal school system.

Hyderabad’s significant contribution

In the city of Hyderabad, 1,247 children were rescued — 1,173 boys and 74 girls. Of these, 673 were local residents, and 560 came from other states, while 14 were Nepali children. The police filed 55 FIRs and initiated 939 legal actions, leading to fines amounting to ₹47,75,921. This was made possible by the efforts of 28 dedicated divisional teams.

Multiple agencies drive the mission

The success of the operation hinged on seamless coordination between the Telangana Police, Women Development and Child Welfare Department, Labour and Health Departments, District Child Protection Units, Child Welfare Committees, and various non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Detailed planning and virtual meetings prior to the campaign ensured unified action.

Static GK Fact: Operation Muskaan was launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2015 to trace and rescue missing children across India, with a focus on those subjected to exploitation.

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