31 Oct 2007

NEW DELHI: Pulling up the Centre and the NCT governments for not doing enough to root out the menace of child labour from the country, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought explanation from them for branding children employed in a confectionery here as "neglected children" without conducting a probe.

"How can you come to such a finding without initiating any inquiry. Is it not required to look into the matter. You cannot justify the action," a Bench comprising Chief Justice M K Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Khanna asked the NCT government which refused to recognise 14 children rescued two days ago from a confectionery here as bonded or child labourers and termed them as "neglected children".

The Bench also directed both the governments to file their response within two weeks.

"The problem is still going on because of connivance of your officials. Why despite repeated orders of the nothing has been done to put an end to the problem," the court said also asking the NCT government to file its action taken report.

The children were rescued by NGO, Bachpan Bachao Andolan, when it raided some confectionery shops in South Delhi.

The Bench was also critical of the governments for their lack of awareness on what was going on in the country.

"A US company came to know what is happening in India but you, who have the responsibility to tackle the problem, have failed," the Court said, referring to International apparel major GAP recently withdrawing garments sourced from India following allegations of child labourers being employed in their manufacturing.

The court turned down the plea of the city government seeking custody of the rescued children and ordered that they remain with the NGO.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Delhi/HC_blames_Centre_Delhi_for_
child_labour_problem/articleshow/2505716.cms