Urla Industrial Area: Case Filed Against Factory Operators, Contractors for Employing Minors
RAIPUR (India CSR): In a serious case of child labour from the Urla industrial area of Raipur, authorities have registered cases against operators and contractors of four factories for allegedly employing minors. The action followed a joint inspection in which three children were rescued from hazardous working conditions.
According to the report, the operation was carried out by the Labour Department, District Child Protection Unit, police, and an anti-human trafficking team. The rescued children were later presented before the Child Welfare Committee for further care and protection.
Officials said the inspection was conducted in four industrial units located in the Urla industrial zone. During the search, minors were allegedly found engaged in labour work under unsafe conditions. The matter raised serious concern because the children were reportedly working in environments not suitable for their age and safety.
Authorities said the rescued children had been made to work in violation of labour norms and child protection laws. The case has now brought renewed focus on the issue of child labour in industrial areas.
During the inspection, one child was reportedly found working in a plastic dana manufacturing unit. The child told officials that he had come from Ranchi and was working there with his elder brother. He also said that he was being paid around Rs 13,000 per month.
The child reportedly informed the team that work would begin at 8 in the morning and continue till 8 at night. Such long working hours for a minor point to a serious violation of child labour regulations.
Officials also found another minor working in a welding-related unit. According to the report, the child had come from West Bengal about 16 months ago. He told the authorities that a person had brought him to the area and arranged his employment. The child alleged that he was working under a contractor and was being paid Rs 9,000 to Rs 10,000 per month.
The report further said that a third child was found engaged in polishing work in another factory. He too had reportedly come from West Bengal around 16 months ago.
Based on the findings of the inspection, police have registered cases against the concerned factory operators and contractors. The authorities have initiated legal proceedings in connection with the employment of minors in these units.
The action is significant because employing children in industrial or hazardous work is a punishable offence under Indian law. The involvement of multiple agencies also indicates the seriousness of the matter.
After the rescue, the children were produced before the Child Welfare Committee. This step is important to ensure that the rescued minors receive proper protection, counselling, rehabilitation support, and any other assistance required under law.
Officials are expected to continue the investigation to determine how the children were brought into labour work, who facilitated their employment, and whether any trafficking angle is involved.
(India CSR)
