Child labour:NHRC asks Bihar to file report on erring officers

The state government, which has agreed to act against erring officials, will have to file the action taken report in four weeks, the apex human rights panel said in a release.

"Persistence of NHRC has paid with Bihar Government finally agreeing after a long period to start departmental proceedings against the two officers who were found responsible for inaction in a matter involving child labour in dye and colour manufacturing companies, Draulia Colour and Sindoor Factory, Draulia Sindoor Products and Natraj Chemicals in Lakhisarai district of Bihar," it said.

The NHRC has said if State Chief Secretary fails to take action against the officials, it may also issue "conditional summons" for his personal presence before it.

The panel has also sought details of monetary relief given to the children by the state and the erring companies as per the provisions of the Child Labour (Prohibition) Act.

A case was registered with the NHRC following a complaint received on August 17, 2000.

The government, which got the rescued children admitted to schools, however, failed to give any details about the fine, to be recovered from factories, the release said.

"The state was also called upon to pay Rs 5,000 per children towards its contribution, but so far no report has been submitted to the Commission," it said.