In a joint operation by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA), 58 children, including 19 girls, were rescued from an illegal distillery in Madhya Pradesh. The children, who were forced to work 12-14 hour shifts and transported in a school bus, were found with burn wounds from exposure to harsh chemicals and alcohol. The CM of Madhya Pradesh has promised strict action against the guilty and the BBA is calling for justice for the exploited children. This comes just two days after the NCPCR and BBA rescued 36 children from three factories in the same district.
Rescue of 58 Children from Illegal Distillery in Madhya Pradesh
Background
Child labor and exploitation remain serious problems in India. In Madhya Pradesh, one of the poorest states in the country, an estimated 2.5 million children are employed in various hazardous occupations.
Illegal distilleries are common in the state, where alcohol is often illegally produced and sold. These distilleries often exploit children as a source of cheap labor. Children are forced to work in dangerous conditions, exposed to harsh chemicals and alcohol.
Recent Rescues
In a joint operation by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA), 58 children, including 19 girls, were rescued from an illegal distillery in Madhya Pradesh on July 29, 2023.
The children were found working 12-14 hour shifts, and were transported to and from work in a school bus. They had burn wounds from exposure to harsh chemicals and alcohol.
This rescue came just two days after the NCPCR and BBA rescued 36 children from three factories in the same district.
Government Response
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has promised strict action against the guilty. The government has also ordered a statewide survey of illegal distilleries and factories to identify and rescue any other children who may be exploited.
Call for Justice
The BBA has called for justice for the exploited children. The organization is demanding that the perpetrators be punished, and that the government provide support and rehabilitation for the victims.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why are children exploited in these industries?
Children are often exploited because they are small, vulnerable, and easy to control. They are also often desperate for money, which makes them willing to work in dangerous conditions for low wages.
2. What laws protect children from exploitation?
India has a number of laws that prohibit child labor, including the Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. However, these laws are often not enforced effectively.
3. What can be done to prevent child exploitation?
There are a number of things that can be done to prevent child exploitation, including:
4. What are the consequences of child exploitation?
Child exploitation can have serious consequences for both the victims and society as a whole. For victims, exploitation can lead to physical, emotional, and psychological harm. It can also deprive them of their education and opportunities for a better future. For society, child exploitation can contribute to poverty, crime, and social unrest.
5. What can I do to help?
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent child exploitation, including:
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