Editorial 1: Connecting bridge

Context

The rail link will strengthen Kashmir’s connectivity with the rest of India.
 

Introduction

The expression ‘Kashmir to Kanniyakumari’ has finally turned into a physical reality with the inauguration of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). For the first time, Kashmir Valley is seamlessly connected to India’s rail network. This engineering feat overcomes decades of isolation, promising not just improved mobility but a transformative impact on Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, unity, and integration.

‘Kashmir to Kanniyakumari’: A New Rail Reality

• The phrase ‘Kashmir to Kanniyakumari’ symbolizes India’s vast geographical stretch from north to south.
• For the first time in history, this entire expanse is now connected by rail, marking a significant national milestone.

USBRL Project: Bridging the Gaps in Kashmir

• The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), spanning 272 km, has been inaugurated after 28 years of construction.
• It connects the Kashmir Valley to the national railway network for the first time.
• The project tackled the harsh Himalayan terrain, previously thought to be insurmountable by rail.

Engineering Marvels: Chenab and Anji Khad Bridges

1. Chenab Rail Bridge

• Stands 359 metres above the riverbed — 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower.
• Recognized as the world’s highest railway arch bridge.
• Spans 1,315 metres and can endure wind speeds up to 260 km/h.
• Designed for a lifespan of 120 years.

2. Anji Khad Bridge

• India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.
• Stands 331 metres above the riverbed and stretches 725 metres.
• Anchored by 96 high-tensile cables.
• Used 8,200 metric tonnes of structural steel.

3. Infrastructure Highlights

• Total cost: ₹43,780 crore.
• Includes 36 tunnels (totaling 119 km) and 943 bridges, cut through mountains and ridges.

Transforming Kashmir’s Connectivity

• Ends decades of geographical isolation of the Kashmir Valley.
• Introduction of Vande Bharat Express between Srinagar and Katra reduces travel time to just three hours.
• A direct train service between Delhi and Srinagar, to be launched later this year, will cut travel time to 13 hoursfrom over 24.

Symbol of Empowerment and Unity

• The Vande Bharat service is a symbolic and economic breakthrough for Jammu & Kashmir:
  • Ends psychological barriers.
  • Spurs economic growth and integration.
  • Acts as a “game changer” for the region’s future.
     

A Beacon After Crisis

• Follows closely after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, which led to:
  • India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ across the border.
  • A ceasefire breakdown and civilian casualties in border areas.
• The rail inauguration, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was described as:

“A symbol of a new, empowered Jammu & Kashmir.”

• The connectivity is expected to bring people closer — both physically and emotionally — to the rest of India.
   

Conclusion

The USBRL project and Vande Bharat Express are more than just infrastructure; they represent hope, healing, and national integration. After decades of conflict and isolation, Jammu and Kashmir is entering a new era of connectivity and empowerment. The symbolic and strategic rail link strengthens India’s unity—bringing Kashmir tangibly closer to the heart of the nation, both geographically and emotionally.

Editorial 2: Recounting Velpur’s story in ending child labour

Context

Even after 24 years, the mandal in Telangana continues to have 100% school retention and remains completely free of child labour.

Introduction

June 12 is observed every year as the World Day Against Child Labour, led by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The day aims to raise global awareness about child labour and brings together governments, employers, workers’ groups, and civil society to work together towards ending child labour. Although Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7 urges the world to end all forms of child labour by 2025, we are still nowhere close to reaching this goal.

• Child labour is widespread globally, denying many children their basic rights — such as living with dignity, enjoying childhood, and reaching their full potential.
• An estimated 160 million children around the world are involved in child labour — that’s about 1 in every 10 children.
• Africa, Asia, and the Pacific together account for nearly 90% of the world’s child labour cases.
• The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation for poor children — schools were shut, and many parents lost jobs or wages.
• As a result, many children dropped out of school to work and support their families — and have not returned to school.

The extent of child labour in India

Current Scenario (as per Census 2011)

• 43.53 lakh children (aged 5 to 14 years) are engaged in child labour.
• Major reasons:
  • Poverty
  • Lack of access to education and resources
  • Illiteracy
• Child labour is common in:
  • Beedi factories
  • Carpet-weaving units
  • Firework industries

Government Measures and Legal Framework

Year	Policy/Act	Key Provisions
1986	Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act (CLPRA)	Regulated and restricted child labour in specific occupations
1987	National Policy on Child Labour	Focused on rehabilitation, adopted a gradual approach
2016	CLPRA Amendment Act	Banned employment of children below 14 years; prohibited adolescents (14–18 years) from hazardous jobs
2009	Right to Education (RTE) Act	Made free and compulsory education a right for children aged 6–14 years

Implementation Strategy

• Strict enforcement of child labour laws.
• Launch of National Child Labour Project (NCLP) in high-incidence areas.
• Focus on rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration of child workers.

Challenges in Eradication

• Short-term impact: Many campaigns succeed initially, but results are not sustained.
• Children often return to work due to:
  • Family income pressure
  • Lack of support post-rescue
  • Weak rehabilitation follow-up
• Despite challenges, success stories exist, proving that sustained community effort and proper policy implementation can make a lasting difference.

The Velpur model

Velpur Mandal: From Child Labour Hub to Child Labour-Free Model

Initial Situation

• Velpur Mandal, in Nizamabad district (erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, now Telangana), was once infamous for widespread child labour.
• Children aged 5–15 years were regularly found working instead of going to school.
• Common reasons included:
  • Poverty
  • Lack of awareness
  • Cultural acceptance of child labour

Community-Led Campaign (2001)

Timeline	Key Action
June 2001	Launch of a 100-day campaign involving officials and the local community
Goal	Ensure all children (5–15 years) attend school and none are in labour
Oct 2, 2001	Velpur declared child labour-free on Gandhi Jayanti

Initial Challenges

• Resistance from locals: Misinformation spread about organ trafficking by the campaigners.
• Social boycott: Tea stalls refused to serve volunteers; sarcastic remarks were common.
• Mistrust and fear: People suspected malintent behind the child rescue efforts.

Turning the Tide: People’s Movement

• Persistent outreach and open discussions changed public perception.
• Locals began cooperating and took ownership of the mission.
• Children working in homes or shops were:
  • Withdrawn from labour
  • Enrolled in bridge schools under National Child Labour Project (NCLP)

Community Action

Initiative	Outcome
Public recognition of children’s former employers	Created positive peer pressure
Employers wrote off loans parents owed (₹35 lakh total)	Ended bonded child labour linked to hand loans
Employers donated stationery to schoolchildren	Symbol of support for education
Sarpanchs signed MoUs with the government	As per Andhra Pradesh Compulsory Primary Education Rules, 1982
Villages erected signboards	“There is no child labour in our village” – community pride and vigilance

Outcomes and Recognition

• 100% school retention rate sustained even 24 years later
• No child labour reported – challenge to media found no violations
• VVGNLI celebrated 20 years of Velpur success on Oct 8, 2021
• All sarpanchs, elders, and campaigners honoured during Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav
• Velpur case praised by:
  • International Labour Organization (ILO)
  • National and regional media
  • Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
  • National Human Rights Commission

Policy Influence and Legacy

Institution	Role & Recognition
VVGNLI (Labour Ministry, Govt. of India)	Integrated Velpur model into training modules for child labour elimination
Parliamentary Standing Committee	Invited the campaign’s District Collector to present the model (Nov 2022)
Educational experts & field researchers	Continue to study and document the Velpur success story

Key Lessons from Velpur Model

• Community participation is key to sustainable social change.
• Trust-building and awareness overcome deep-rooted resistance.
• Legal action, local leadership, and moral commitment must work together.
• Public pride and constant vigilance help sustain gains over decades.

Conclusion

This is a community-driven success story, showing that social problems can be solved in a lasting way only when they become a people’s movement. The writer feels proud to have been part of this journey. He was the Collector of Nizamabad district when the campaign against child labour started in Velpur in 2001.