CHILD LABOUR at Coimbatore

Coimbatore shop to pay Rs 1.2 lakh fine for employing kids:

In a major drive against child labour, the district collector has ordered the Sri Kannan Departmental store in Sai Baba Colony to pay Rs 1.2 lakh for the rehabilitation of six child labourers they had employed.

As many as 16 children were picked up from the outlet on April 22 and medical examination showed that six of the children were below 14 years. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation Act) bars employing children below 14 years of age. The collector has asked the labour department to initiate legal proceedings against Kannan departmental store. "We have decided to take the matter seriously and ensure that children are properly rehabilitated and allowed to continue with their education. We have a tight case," said P Umanath, district collector, Coimbatore.

 

On April 22, city police along with district administration officials conducted a late night raid at the department store and rescued 16 children who were employed as store boys and billing clerks. The bone ossification test conducted by the radiology department of the Coimbatore government medical college hospital revealed that six of them were between 12 and 13 years of age. "We are now carrying out the proceedings to ensure speedy rehabilitation of the victims. The medical report in this case has clearly stated that all these children are underaged on the basis of their bone growth and its density," said D Vijayakumar, district project director, national child labour project.

These children have already been handed over to their parents after the age verification exercise held last week. The compensation to be provided by the employers will be distributed among the victims ranging up to `25,000. An additional amount of `5000 will be deposited in their bank accounts to fund their education.

"I am a casual labourer and cannot afford to send my son for further studies but will definitely make him study if I get some financial support," said Narayanasamy, the father of one of the victims.

Soon after they were rescued, the children were taken to the Don Bosco Anbu Illam, a rescue centre for children near Ukkadam in the city where child welfare committee (CWC) members counselled them and their parents. "We have spoken to the children and their guardians and have tried to convince them to ensure that their children complete their education," said Dr Rajan, chairman, CWC, Coimbatore.

The district administration has warned of severe action against those employing underaged children either at private households or commercial establishments. An appeal has also been made to residents to report any case of child labour to national child labour project's local chapter at 0422-2305445. The authorities will ensure that the details of the caller are kept confidential.