Panchkula looks to combat child labour with intensified surveillance

Intensified surveillance and enforcement were stressed upon to end bonded and child labour in the district during a meeting chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Nisha Yadav at the Mini Secretariat.

The joint meeting was attended by members of the vigilance committee formed under the Bonded Labour Act and the District Task Force constituted to prevent child labour.

Yadav directed officials to carry out regular raids at brick kilns, roadside eateries and similar establishments where bonded labour is likely. She emphasised that if any bonded labourers are found, immediate and strict action must be taken under relevant provisions of the Bonded Labour Act. She further instructed that senior police officers accompany inspection teams to manage any situation effectively.

The ADC also urged vigilance committee members to conduct inspections themselves instead of delegating the task, and to submit detailed action reports.

Later, she chaired a meeting of the District Task Force to review measures against child labour. Officials were instructed not only to act on complaints but also to conduct surprise inspections in areas where child labour is suspected. She directed that rescued children be rehabilitated properly and that those forcing minors into labour face strict legal action.

Highlighting the legal framework, she reiterated that employing children under the age of 14 in shops, factories, hotels, or homes is a punishable offence under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act.

The ADC appealed to the public to report any suspected cases of child labour to the helpline at 1098.