Thiruvananthapuram: If one goes by official figures, the state is virtually free of child labour. In the six years between 2010 and 2016, official figures say, only 11 prosecution cases have been filed in the state. The surprising claim is that there is no child labour in any establishments, including restaurants, run by people from outside the state. “In the 17,506 inspections carried out in the state from 2010 to 2016, child labour was not detected in any establishments run by other-state businessmen,” labour minister T P Ramakrishnan said in the Assembly the other day.
According to the minister the state had taken adequate steps to eradicate child labour in the state. As per Child Labour (Control and Prevention) Act, 1986, assistant labour officer and district labour officer (enforcement) have been appointed as protection inspectors in each district. Besides, child labour rehabilitation-cum-welfare societies and task forces function in all the 14 districts. “Seminars and awareness classes are regularly organised by these societies,” the minister said.
Nonetheless, the minister said child labour had been reported after the LDF had assumed power. In Kannur district.
"A child labour case had been reported within the limits of the Thalassery assistant labour officer in August. A probe was conducted and prosecution proceedings were initiated against the owner under the Child Labour Act," Mr Ramakrishnan said.
However, the minister’s claim contradicts a study conducted by the NGO, Don Bosco Veedu Society, in the capital city. The study had hinted at child labour.
Based on the findings, the Commission for the Protection of Child Rights had directed the Social Justice Department to conduct an urgent survey of children across the state. The directive but has been moth-balled.
