Justice Lokur giving the Release Certificate to the children

A child shares his experiences

President of BBA, Mr. Ramesh Gupta and other senior functioneries showing the rehabilitation facility to Justice Lokur

Justice Lokur giving his blessings to the recently rescued child labourers

15 May 2010: The acting Chief Justice of Delhi High Court Hon’ble Justice Madan B. Lokur today visited Mukti Ashram and met more than 150 child labourers rescued by Delhi Government authories and Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) in the last 15 days. He promised all legal aid and assistance to children, distributed the Release Certificates under the Bonded Labour Act, entitling the children to 20,000 rupees each for rehabilitation and education and other social welfare mechanism.

Justice Lokur also formally inaugurated the Management Information System devised by BBA keeping a tab on identification, rescue, rehabilitation, and follow up, and education of all child labourers who come in contact with BBA. It is a comprehensive database to record the details of the rescue, industry, children’s native villages, the rehabilitation that they were provided with and the social security benefits that they are benefitting from BBA’s efforts. It also helps BBA to track each child.

There are currently 154 children in Mukti Ashram, which were rescued from button making, bakery, and bag zari and iron industries. Justice Lokur interacted with the children and heard their stories.

Justice Lokur appreciated the efforts of BBA and said in his blessing to the childre that he would provide all help and assistance possible to the children through Delhi Legal Services Authority (DLSA). 

Other people who participated in this programme include Ms. Asha Menon, Member Secretary DLSA. Several Sub Divisional Magistrates, Deputy Labour Commissioners, Labour Officers, Police Officers, and Child Welfare Committee members participated. They distributed Release Certificates and gave their blessings to children.

Mr. Ramesh Gupta, President, Bachapan Bacaho Andolan said, "I am happy to see the role of a proactive judiciary in ensuring access to legal rights to all children and I hope that the active role continues as well."