Centre, Delhi, Bihar Govts. to meet on child labour

Centre, Delhi, Bihar Govts. to meet on child labour

New Delhi, July 29 (PTI): With the maximum number of child workers in the national capital coming from Bihar, officials from the Centre and the two state governments would soon meet to chalk out a rehabilitation programme for the children.

Giving the information while inaugurating a Transitional Education Centre for working children here, Delhi Labour Minister, Mangatram Singhal, said the Union Ministry of Labour would organise the meeting in the Patna.

"The Government of India and state governments of Delhi and Bihar will draw a comprehensive programme for the rehabilitation of children who are compelled to work because of economic compulsions," Singhal said.

The Minister said Delhi Government wanted to make the capital a "no entry" zone for child labour and warned that strict prosecution measures would be initiated against those found employing children.

"On the other hand, the government will initiate steps to provide rehabilitation, of which education will be the core aspect, to such children who are compelled to work due to their economic misfortune," Singhal said.

The transitional education centre for children withdrawn from work, opened in Jahangirpuri area of the city, will be run by the NGO Kiran Deep Society for Women and Child Rights.

The Delhi Shops and Establishment Act, 1954 prohibits employment of children who have not completed their 12 years of age. The Factories Act, 1948 prohibits employment of children who are not yet 14-years-old.