Task force rescues three minors in child labour inspections

Chennai: Three minors were rescued during two surprise inspections carried out by the Chennai district administration’s Child and Adolescent Labour Prevention Task Force in different parts of the city over the past week.The inspections were conducted on July 3 and 6 on the directions of S Malathi, Chennai District Collector, as part of a drive to eradicate child labour.On July 3, a joint inspection led by S Sangeetha, assistant commissioner of labour (Enforcement), Chennai First Circle, was carried out in Kodungaiyur and Korukkupet. Officials from the Labour Department, Child Helpline, Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU-1) and NGO AVA participated in the operation.During the inspection, two 15-year-old boys were found employed in a bag-stitching unit and a vehicle repair workshop. The minors were immediately rescued, and community service register (CSR) entries were made at the jurisdictional police station. They were later produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for further inquiry and rehabilitation.In a separate raid on July 6, officials led by C Meenakshi, Assistant Commissioner of Labour (Enforcement), Chennai Third Circle, conducted inspections in Anna Nagar and nearby areas along with representatives from the Labour Department, Child Helpline, SJPU-1 and AVA.

The team rescued a 17-year-old boy who had been employed at a tea and soft drinks shop. He was also produced before the Child Welfare Committee after a CSR was registered with the local police.The Labour Department has initiated legal proceedings against the owners of the establishments found employing the minors under the provisions of child labour laws. Officials said the action taken in both cases has been reported to the Chennai District Collector.The district administration said surprise inspections would continue across Chennai to identify and rescue children engaged in prohibited employment and ensure strict enforcement of child labour laws.