New Delhi: "I used work from 8 pm to 6 am. The employer assured me to pay Rs 7,500 per month but did not pay anything. A person used to beat the children badly, if any silly misconduct found," reads the statement of a child, who was rescued from Okhla.
The following statement defines the pathetic condition in which the child labourers are working in the city.
According to the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR), last year, more than 20 complaints against child labour were received.
" In most of the complaints, it was written that there were no security and fire safety inside the factories," said Roop Sudesh Vimal, an official from DCPCR.
He further said that the counselling of several rescued children revealed that they want to study but they have to work mainly due to poverty.
"Parents are forced to send their children for work. The conditions in which child labourers working are very hazardous as tragedy can happen anytime," added Vimal.
Most of the children who were rescued belongs to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and some other states.
In a recent case, three kids were rescued from the plastic unit in Okhla area.
The rescuers said that there were no fire safety measures in the factory. The Delhi Police data accessed by Millennium Post revealed that in the year 2018, as many as 118 cases were registered in Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act. In 2019 (upto May 15), nearly 31 cases were registered. "Under JJ Act, 66 persons arrested last year whereas in current year, 19 persons were nabbed," Delhi Police data further revealed. Under the child labour act, 15 cases were registered last year in which three persons were nabbed whereas in 2019 (till May 15), seven cases were reported.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Madhur Verma said that they take regular action on the complaints regarding child labourers.
"In many occasions, Delhi Police and SDMs conducted regular raids in different factories after receiving information regarding child labour. We have rescued children and arrested owners in various cases," added DCP Madhur Verma.
Police have also rescued children who are forced to work as maids in various houses.
Police sources said that in a recent crime review meeting, it was discussed that strict action will be taken against those who sell drugs, inhalers to small children in the city.