On June 23, in Udupi, a joint inspection was conducted at a construction site in Ajekaru village of Karkala taluk, following a public complaint about child laborers working at the site. The inspection, led by the applicable labor officer, resulted in the rescue of a child laborer from Uttar Pradesh, who was presented before the Child Welfare Committee. Labor officials reminded building owners and employers that they are not allowed to hire child labor for construction work or any other type of work. Naveen CH, Karkala Circle Labor Inspector, advised employers to verify the original documents of workers from other states before hiring them. Further action is expected to be taken against the owners found guilty in this case. Udupi sub-division district labor officer Kamal Shah Altaf Ahmed emphasized that every child has the right to free and compulsory education, and it is the duty of all citizens to ensure this right is upheld. The Child and Adolescent Labor Act, 1986, prohibits the employment of children under 14 in any industry and minors under 18 in hazardous industries, with penalties including imprisonment and fines. Employers can face imprisonment for up to two years and a fine of Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000 for employing child labor, while parents who encourage child labor can also face punishment. The operation was carried out by a team including Karkala Circle Labor Inspector Naveen CH, District Child Labor Project Society Project Director Amrita, and Child Protection Unit Social Worker Nayana.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi