26 child labourers rescued from Parle-G biscuit factory

The District Task Force (DTF) has rescued 26 children from a biscuit manufacturing unit of popular brand Parle-G, who were working there as child labourers, an official said here on Saturday.

"Under the direction of District Collector, we carried out an operation and rescued 26 children from Parle-G biscuit factory," Navneet Swarnkar, District Child protection officer told IANS.

The operation was conducted after Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) received information that a large number of children were working in Amasivni area in Raipur.

Most of the rescued children are in the age group of 12-16 years and belong to adhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Bihar.

According to the statements given by the children, they worked from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and received only Rs 5,000- 7,000 per month as wages.

"It is a matter of great concern and disappointment that a manufacturer biscuits enjoying countrywide reputation built on the trust of innumerable consumers, consisting largely of children, should be involved in the exploitation of children so openly," said Samir Mathur, CEO of BBA.

The children were sent to the state government's children home after the rescue and an FIR was lodged under Section 79 of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

"We are hoping that the Child Welfare Committee will add other relevant sections too for getting justice for the children," said a BBA activist in Raipur, who was also part of the rescue operation.

Under this campaign, BBA along with state governments, district administrations and local organisations conducts rescue operations. The week commences from 12th of June every year, which also marks the World Day against Child Labour.

--IANS

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