New Delhi: At least 16 children were rescued from several dhabas and auto shops in the capital.
The 16 children rescued in a joint operation were led by Rajouri Garden Deputy Magistrate Asheesh Kumar, and the team was joined by the labor ministry, police, Voluntary Action Association (also known as Bachappan Bachao Andolan) and Bal Vikas Dhara. It was made up of employees.
Friday’s raids were carried out on car dealerships and local eateries in the area to rescue child workers.
The rescued children, aged between 10 and 17, live in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. All of the rescued children were malnourished, sleep deprived and overworked, with some working more than 12 hours a day.
“SHO Rajouri Gardens and SHO Hari Nagar shall comply with applicable laws such as Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation Act, 1986), Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) etc. to the employers of the said rescued children. 2015 Act and Rules thereunder and other relevant provisions of the IPC,” SDM, Rajouri Garden said in its order.
After being rescued, all the children underwent medical examination and were submitted to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
Expressing concern over the child labor situation, Manish Sharma, director of Bachpan Bachao Andolan, said: Children are the most vulnerable group in society, and the greed of adults is crushing entire future generations and negatively impacting the country’s economic growth.
“But the fight continues and will continue until all children are freed from slavery and child labor. And to intensify this fight and this cause, we need anti-trafficking legislation to be passed as soon as possible.” I hope it passes,” he said.