The overwhelming prevalence of child labour in the farming sector in Salem rendered that district notorious.
However, coordinated efforts by various departments over the years, has reportedly led to a drop in the practice, as officials focused on stopping the migration of children from other districts, instead of just rescuing them.
Children less than 14 years were preferred for carrying out manual pollination for production of BT cotton seeds, as it was believed their nimble fingers were best suited for the task.
Children, mostly from Javadu Hills in Tiruvannamalai, Vellimalai in Villupuram and Kolli Hills in Namakkal district, were paid an advance by farmers and engaged at work in fields in Attur, Thalaivasal and Pethanaickenpalayam blocks in the district.
In the past five years, over 350 children were rescued and sent home.
