Child labour growing concern in city

Children as young as nine years' of age forced to work 20-hour shifts

Small children working at roadside eateries, shops and some even in canteens of various institutes are a common site in the city. Hands that can barely hold a glass can be seen managing trays loaded with them.

Numerous such children can be seen around the city. Two brothers who are both called Chotu, work at a stall in the Sector 15 Food Market. The elder brother said that they are 9 and 12 years old. The elder one informed that they sleep around 2.30 am and wake up promptly at 5 am.

A 20-hour work day is normal for these two children.

The Labour Department, conducted 279 inspections this year that resulted in two prosecutions. In 2009, a total of 1,000 inspections took place wherein 41 violations were detected and 2 people were prosecuted. In 2010, 1,535 inspections were carried out and 33 prosecutions took place. In one instance a fine of Rs. 60,000 was also imposed.

In 2011, 279 inspection were carried out by May, one violation had been detected for which there were two prosecutions, but no fines were imposed.

Another child, Karan, who is 13 years old, was found in front of the Rose Garden selling bhel-puri. He said that he migrated from Bareilly after he completed his sixth grade. He said, "I cam here to work with my elder brother. I wanted to study, but no one made me. Now I don't even think about it anymore." Mohinder Kaur, the Assistant Labour Commissioner at the Labor Welfare Center, Sector 30, said, "We conduct inspections at regular intervals. The people who have employed these children recognise the inspectors of our department and they hide the kids when we visit. These children are so addicted to working and earning money that they also lie and run away. There is also a shortage of staff so regular checks are difficult."

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