LUCKNOW, June 12 -- More than 5,000 children were rescued from labour and trafficking situations across Uttar Pradesh during 2025-26, while authorities and child rights groups intervened to stop over 17,000 child marriages, highlighting the continuing scale of child exploitation in the state despite intensified enforcement measures.

Data released by child rights organisation Just Rights for Children (JRC) shows that 3,805 rescue operations were carried out during 2025-26, nearly double the 1,904 operations recorded in 2023-24. During the same period, 919 FIRs were registered against alleged offenders, a substantial increase from 261 FIRs two years earlier, according to an official release.

The figures suggest a more aggressive response ...