1st March 2009, Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh) - Birla Group Cement (a Unit of Grasim Industries Ltd.) a flagship Company of Aditya Birla ,  Vikram Cement (VC) Thermal Power Plant has been found to be employing children as young as 10 years in the cement factory. On 28th February 2009, Ms. Babita Singh, Member of Child Welfare Committee and Mr. Raghvender Singh Tomar, State Coordinator of Bachpan Bachao Andolan conducted a raid with local police and found out that there were more then 100 children under 14 years of age working in the most dangerous and inhuman conditions.

But during the rescue operation , the team was only able to rescue 7 girls and 3 boys as the manger with 10-15 people attacked the team. Somehow the rescue team escaped the attack and came to Police Station Naya Gaon.  They appealed for protection and FIR against the Manager R. V Singh. But the case was not even registered

Sadhna (name changed) 13 years old “I used to work for more then 12 hours; It was very difficult to work with the chemicals. I am not able to breathe properly which lead to sleep-less nights. All the children rescued were minors 10-18 years old and were paid minimal.   

Ms. Babita Singh, member of Child Welfare Committee (CWC) said that if the members of CWC are not allowed to conduct identification of child labourers and attacked than it shows the clear nexus between exploiters of children and the local administration. CWC is formed in every district of India to protect children in need of care and protection.

Mr. Raghvendra Singh Tomar, State Coordinator of Bachpan Bachao Andolan said that “the chemicals used in the cement industry like arsenic, chromium compounds mercury compounds have made these children prone to many life threatening diseases and infection. All the children are going through medical check up and their parents have been called for identification”

Mr Kailash Satyarthi, founder of Bachpan Bachao Andolan said that it is the clear violation of labour laws in the country and such companies are employing child labourers. He demanded the action against the employers and owners of the company immediately.

Letter to Aditya Birla Group

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