NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported rescue of 23 child labourers in Saraswati Vihar area of North-West District, Delhi

Press release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi: 9th July, 2024

NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported rescue of 23 child labourers in Saraswati Vihar area of North-West District, Delhi

Issues notices to the Delhi Chief Secretary and the Commissioner of Police calling for reports within two weeks

Also calls for a survey of the NCT of Delhi to know the industrial units employing child labourers

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report, carried on 5th July 2024, that 23 child labourers, including nine girls and 14 boys, were rescued in the Saraswati Vihar area of North-West District, Delhi. Reportedly, they were brought to Delhi from nearby states and were working in various factories.

The Commission has observed the contents of the news report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of the rights of the children. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 as amended in 2016 prohibits the employment of children under the age of 14 years in any capacity including domestic help. The Act also makes it a criminal offence to employ a child as a worker/ labourer. Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of NCT of Delhi and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi to submit a detailed report in the matter within two weeks.

The District Magistrate (DM), North West Delhi is directed to submit a report indicating the action taken as per provisions of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, steps taken for their rehabilitation and reunion with their respective families as well as to continue their education. The DM, North West Delhi is also expected to inform regarding legal action taken if any child labourer was being kept under bondage.

Earlier also, the Commission came across such complaints/ news reports alleging violation of the Labour Laws by the owners of the factories running in various parts of the National Capital. In view of this, the Commission has also sought to know about the action taken against such delinquent employers. A survey of the NCT of the Delhi area is required to be conducted to know if there are more industrial units where the children are being engaged as labourers and what action has been taken against them.

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