E-Paper
Child labour flourishing under KMC nose
EXPLOITATION OF children is not just confined to factories and the leather industry of the city. Shockingly, many children are discharging duties as Safai Karamcharis (sweepers).
EXPLOITATION OF children is not just confined to factories and the leather industry of the city. Shockingly, many children are discharging duties as Safai Karamcharis (sweepers).
More than 500 children have been engaged by Safai Karamcharies of the Kanpur Municipal Corporation (KMC) to work on their behalf. This illegal activity is going on in the city on a large scale with the tacit support of KMC officials. This, when there are several projects for the eradication of child labour running in the city, which includes Indus Child Labour Project.
President ‘Save Childhood’ (an NGO working for the rights of children) Kamal Kanta Tewari, has accused the KMC officials of turning a blind eye to this menace. “More than 500 children are working for Safai Karamcharies all over the city. These children are in the age group of 10 to 16 years,” stated Tewari.
These children are being paid a paltry sum of Rs 10 to 15 by the Safai Karamcharies who are getting around Rs 7000 to 10000 per month, added Tewari. All this was going on with the tacit support of Safai Nayaks and sanitary inspectors, who ensure full attendance of Safai Karamcharies in the official records, pointed out Tewari.
However, before every inspection, these Safai Karamcharies are informed before hand to ensure their presence during the inspection, asserted Tewari.
However, Safai Nayaks and sanitary inspectors do not offer their services free of cost.
They too charge a handsome amount for their complicity. On a case-to-case basis, an amount of Rs 500 to Rs 1000 per month is charged from Safai Karamcharies.
Expressing anguish over the indifferent attitude of authorities concerned, Tewari demanded action against all under the Child Labour Act. “The DM has been requested to take strict action against those persons responsible for this social menace in accordance with the guidelines issued by the NHRC,” stated Tewari.
The matter has also been reported to Secretary, Urban Development, State Government and the Chairman of the NHRC for immediate action. There is a provision of suspension or termination from the service if a government employee is found guilty of employing child labour.
