6 found guilty under child labour this year

In order to keep a check on child labour, a survey is being conducted by various organizations and Panchayats in Kalimpong and soon after the reports, raids are being conducted. Labour Officer, T Bhutia said that if any person is found practicing child labour, then he/ she is penalized Rs 50, 000/- along with 3 years of jail. Earlier the fine was Rs 20, 000/- along with 1 year of jail under which 6 people were fined in Kalimpong this year. The fine and the tenure behind bars have been recently increased by the Central Cabinet during August. The Centre has also passed the decision that no children under 14 years of age should be made to do labour. Bhutia lastly, appealed all the labourers and drivers to approach the Labour Office and know about the Government’s plan against child labour.

By Mukesh Sharma