122 child labourers rescued by govt in ten days

Patna: A total of 122 child labourers were rescued and FIRs were registered against 60 employers for engaging them in work during a drive launched by the Bihar labour resources and migrant labour welfare department between May 1 and 30 across the state. The dept carried out inspections and raids at 222 locations across 38 districts.

Under the direction of labour minister Arun Shankar Prasad, special teams were formed with district administration, labour department, police and child protection units. Hotels, dhabas, restaurants, tea stalls, garages, workshops, brick kilns, households and other establishments were inspected. Rescued children are being linked to rehabilitation, education and welfare schemes for their families, said an official.

Prasad said child labour violates laws and denies children education, health, safety and dignity. “It harms physical, mental and social development and robs children of a better future. The govt gives top priority to ending it,” he said.

The Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986, makes employing children a punishable offence. Violators face fines of Rs20,000 to Rs50,000 and up to two years of jail. The department said legal action is being ensured to build zero tolerance towards child labour.

He said Bihar is the first state to give Rs25,000 from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to each rescued adolescent labourer. The aid aims to link children to education, skill development and mainstream life. The department is also working to ensure school enrollment so that children do not return to work as labourers again.

Alongside enforcement, awareness programmes were held for World Day Against Child Labour. District labour offices ran campaigns in schools, markets and public places. Activities included debates, essay and drawing contests, oath-taking and ‘prabhat pheris’.

Students highlighted the ills of child labour and the importance of education. During rallies, they raised slogans like “Stop child labour, ensure right to education,” “Every child’s right: education, safety, dignity,” and “Let Bihar be child labour-free,” urging people not to employ children and to support education for all.