MINOR RESCUED FROM PATIALA HOTEL

MINOR RESCUED FROM PATIALA HOTEL

5-DEC-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BHABHUA-------------------------- Raid on Patiala Punjabi Dhaba on NH-2, one child laborer rescued; FIR registered against the owner

Taking a strong stance against child labor, the Kaimur Labor Resources Department conducted a special raid operation in Durgawati block of the district on Thursday. During this operation, a child laborer was rescued from 'Patiala Punjabi Dhaba' located on the Karmanasa GT Road on National Highway number 2 (NH-2). The raiding team, formed by the Labor Superintendent of Kaimur, conducted surprise inspections of various dhabas, shops, and establishments in the block on Thursday. During this inspection, a minor child was found working at the Patiala Punjabi Dhaba. Upon questioning, it was revealed that the rescued child laborer is a resident of Kaimur district. After the rescue, the child was handed over to the District Child Protection Unit, Kaimur. Additionally, as per rules, the rescued child laborer was immediately provided with financial assistance of ₹3000. The department has registered an FIR against the guilty employer (dhaba owner) under the relevant sections of the 'Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986' at the local police station. Furthermore, in light of the order given by the Honorable Supreme Court in the 'M.C. Mehta vs. State of Tamil Nadu' case, a recovery of ₹20,000 per rescued child laborer will be made from the guilty employer. Separate action will also be taken under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948.

The Labor Superintendent stated that this raiding team is regularly active in the district for the elimination of child labor. He warned that employing children under 14 years of age and engaging adolescents between 14 and 18 years of age in hazardous work is a cognizable offense. Those found guilty are liable to a fine of ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 and imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 2 years. The raiding team was led by Labor Enforcement Officer (LEO) Durgawati, Ajitesh Kumar Tiwari. The team included LEO Rajiv Ranjan Nikhar from Mohania, LEO Santosh Kumar Singh from Bhagwanpur, and LEO Dheeraj Kumar Dubey from Adhaura. In addition to these, members of the Child Helpline, Rakesh Kumar from the Auliya Spiritual Society, and police officers were also present in the campaign.