The Hindu : New Delhi News : Efforts on to send back rescued kids

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 23, 2005

New Delhi

New Delhi

Efforts on to send back rescued kids

Staff Reporter

GLIMMER OF HOPE: Some of the children who were rescued from zari units operating in the North-East Delhi at August Kranti Bhavan, in New Delhi on Monday. — Photo: R.V. Moorthy

NEW DELHI: Even as close to 500 children rescued on Monday from zari units operating in North-East Delhi have been kept at HUDCO's August Kranti Bhawan in Bhikaji Cama Place, efforts for their repatriation to their respective villages in Bihar have been stepped up.

While the State Labour Department officials were engaged in meetings in this regard, it is learnt that due to shortage of manpower about 30 teachers and volunteers of non-government organisation Pratham -- who had extended their help to take care of the children during their stay there -- were on Tuesday finding it difficult to handle the situation. "We have asked the Government officials to provide security," said one of the volunteers.

On Monday night some children began complaining of bad health and were provided treatment. By Tuesday evening, the situation almost went out of control when some children began indulging in mischief.

"We are doing whatever we can to keep them busy in creative works," the volunteer added.

Stating that more rescue operations were in the offing, the State Secretary (Labour), Narendra Kumar, in a press statement said this July, he had received a letter from Firoz Numani, an advocate and coordinator of INTUC Child Labour Cell in Bihar, informing him that many children from there were working in the embroidery units here in the trans-Yamuna area. "Acting on that tip-off, the Labour Department along with non-government organisations like Prayas rescued 98 children on July 21 and restored them to their parents. Their employers were also booked," he said.

He said then the Labour Department in coordination with teachers and volunteers of Pratham carried out an extensive survey to identify the units where minor children were being put to work, after which raids were mounted this Monday.

"It was originally planned to retain these children and provide them education, but due to non-availability of accommodation it could not be implemented," said Mr. Kumar. He said prosecution proceedings would be initiated against the employers under the provisions of the Delhi Shops & Establishment Act, 1954, and the Factories Act, 1948.

"The Child Labour Act provides for penalty of imprisonment for a term of three months or fine that may extend to Rs. 1 lakh. The Factories Act provides for imprisonment of a term that may extend to two years or with fine up to Rs. 1 lakh or both," Mr. Kumar added.

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