Child labourers rampant in Medaram

Godavarikhani (Karimnagar): Though the Police department had taken up a special drive ‘Operation Smile’ to stop children from work during the Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara, it seemed that there was no change in the mind set of parents.

One could see children extensively engaged in various works at several sites of the biennial festival. While some of the children were engaged in begging, others were made to sell various products especially food item to the devotees.

Anjaiah, a seven-year-old boy along with his sister sat on the river bank to beg alms in Godavarikhani. He is his second standard at a local school but was forced by his parents to beg.