On New Year, three minors rescued from slavery

New Delhi: The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) on Wednesday claimed that they have rescued three minor boys from a factory in North West Delhi's Keshavpuram area.

The Commission claimed that they received a complaint on January 1 regarding children working in a factory.

"The Commission was informed that those children were also forced to consume alcohol," said DCW press statement.

Taking immediate cognizance of the complaint, the women rights body sent a team of counsellors to the spot and information was given to Delhi Police.

"Police also reached on the spot. Three boys under the age group of 10-13 years were found working there. Counselling was provided to the children and it was learnt that they were made to work 12 hours daily from 9 am to 9 pm and were paid merely Rs 2,000 in a month," DCW claimed.

They further added that all children informed that they belong to the very poor financial background. One child, aged 13 years, lives in Delhi with his uncle and aunt while his parents live in village. Families of other two children live in Delhi itself.

The children informed that they wish to study and attend school but since they belong to very poor families, their parents cannot afford to send them school. Also, they informed that they have to work to look after their families.

The children were taken to Keshav Puram police station where a written complaint was filed on their statements.

Later, they were taken to the hospital where their medical examination was conducted.

After that, the children were sent to a shelter home. They will be produced before the Child Welfare Committee.

"The DCW is taking all steps to ensure FIR is registered in the matter against the owner of the factory and strict action is taken against them," the statement added.

Further, DCW shall get in touch with the families of the children to ascertain the steps that can be taken for their rehabilitation.

DCW Chairperson Swati Maliwal states, "While we are a women commission, we still act on cases related to boys due to humanity. It is really sad that little children are forced to do hard labour in the Capital. FIR should be registered, strongest action should be taken against those involved in the crime and children should be properly rehabilitated."